Purpose
The Gibraltar Gambling Commission (GGC) aims to ensure that gambling services based in Gibraltar are operated by companies it considers genuine and reputable. To obtain a gaming licence, an online casino must meet specific criteria, including transparent ownership, sufficient financial resources and the ability to provide services with integrity.
The Gibraltar Gambling Commission may grant licences to qualifying operators and revoke them if an operator breaches its licence conditions.
Gambling Products
The Gambling Act identifies regulated products such as betting, bookmaking, lotteries and gaming. Gaming products requiring a licence include bingo, machine gaming, slots, poker and various kinds of casino games. The source describes casinos licensed by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner as offering downloadable, instant-play and mobile gaming options.
Age Restrictions
Gibraltar Gambling Commission licensees must enforce age limits at their online casinos. Players must meet the legal gambling age in their country of residence, which is 18 in most countries. Those who meet the applicable age requirement may register at an online casino and place real-money bets.
Fair Gaming
When reviewing a gaming licence application, the GGC assesses whether an online casino provides fair and transparent play. Online blackjack, roulette, slots and other casino games use random number generators (RNGs), which are intended to prevent software providers or casinos from influencing results. The source calls RNG results “totally random”; this is a claim, not a guarantee established here. The GGC also publishes a list of independent testing agencies it accepts for certification.
Customer Privacy
Gibraltar Gambling Commission licence conditions require casinos to collect certain information from prospective customers, including their full name, date of birth and home address. After gathering these details, a licensee can decide whether to approve the person as a registered player.
The GGC requires online casinos to comply with the Data Protection Act to safeguard customer information. The Data Protection Act 2004 addresses controls and procedures for protecting personal information and privacy. Casinos must also show that they can defend their websites against cyberattacks and similar threats.
Separate Funds
During the licensing process, an online casino must show the Gibraltar Gambling Commission that it keeps operating expenses separate from player funds. This separation is intended to leave money available for customers’ deposits and potential winnings if the casino becomes insolvent. The source also notes that the GGC does not prescribe detailed payout rules; licensees are expected to honour their agreements with customers.
Responsible Gaming
To retain a GGC licence, an online casino must include a homepage link to at least one organization that assists people affected by gambling problems.
Casinos should let customers exclude themselves from gambling, either directly or by submitting a request. Their websites should also caution customers against wagering more than they can afford.
Complaints
For a dispute with a GGC-licensed online casino, the source recommends that players contact the operator first. If the issue remains unresolved, they may submit a complaint to the GGC; the Gibraltar government website explains how. Complaints are handled fairly and as promptly as possible.
Licensed Casinos
The Gibraltar Gambling Commission says its role is to protect players’ interests and help maintain a secure environment for casino gaming.
The source cites Redbet Casino, Virgin Games, Total Gold and 888 Casino as examples of established casinos with GGC licences. It says these operators must follow GGC rules intended to promote fair and enjoyable play.
