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Gibraltar to introduce a ministerial-controlled Licensing Authority

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The Gibraltar House of Assembly passed a law to create a statutory licensing and regulatory framework for internet gambling, with the clear aim to rejuvenate its archaic gambling laws, which were originally enacted in 1958.

A spokesman for the Government said the plan is to create a modern legislative framework for the licensing and regulation of Gibraltar\’s gambling industry.

“This will ensure that Gibraltar remains the world\’s foremost reputable jurisdiction for virtual and online gambling,” said the spokesman.

Under the new law, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority is to act as the Gambling Commissioner and anyone conducting or providing facilities for remote gambling will be required to hold a remote gambling license.

The Licensing Authority will have the power to suspend or revoke a license, while inspectors will be given wide powers of entry and search of premises as well as associated powers to obtain information.

A license holder will be required to keep the computer equipment used for gambling in premises which are “secure and free from access by unauthorized persons,” and to co-operate in investigations arising out of any illegal acts in connection with remote gambling, which he is called upon to notify to the Gambling Commissioner.

A licence holder will also be required to designate a named person to be responsible for formulating responsible gambling policies, while a gambling website will have to display the full name of the license holder and the address from which he carries on business, and avoid advertising which is “false, deceptive or misleading.”