Gibraltar Grants First Prediction Market License

Gibraltar has entered the prediction markets segment by issuing its first operator license, signaling a shift in its regulatory strategy as it expands beyond traditional betting.

Nigel Feetham, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, confirmed the move in parliament on Tuesday. “We expect this to be a substantial area of growth for Gibraltar,” he said. He also explained that regulators granted the license under existing legislation, as updated rules have not yet taken effect. “A new licence has been issued, not withstanding that the new Gambling Act had not yet been brought into force and the new licence had to be issued under the previous legislation. This represents record timing for the issuing of a regulatory licence in Gibraltar,” he added.

Licensed Operator Prepares Market Entry

Records show Predict Street Ltd received approval as a betting intermediary on 26 March under the 2005 Gambling Act. Its platform, Predictstreet.io, indicates a planned launch date of 9 April.

The company positions itself in the sports prediction space and states it is the official prediction market partner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its platform runs on blockchain infrastructure developed by Abu Dhabi-based ADI Chain.

Tax Changes Drive Strategic Shift

The licensing decision comes as Gibraltar faces pressure from UK tax changes, including increases in Remote Gaming Duty and Remote Betting Duty. These adjustments could push the effective tax burden for Gibraltar-based operators to between 80% and 100%.

Feetham highlighted efforts to strengthen the territory’s position. “Since the introduction of the recent UK gambling duty increases, I have taken a more direct responsibility for promoting Gibraltar’s regulatory offering,” he said.

The gambling sector remains central to the local economy, employing about 3,500 people and generating roughly one-third of government tax revenue. In a statement on 1 December, Feetham said: “This is an issue of vital importance to Gibraltar and one that may directly and indirectly affect our public revenues.”

Mixed Regulatory Outlook Across Europe

Gibraltar becomes the first European jurisdiction to directly license a prediction markets operator, while Malta is exploring similar regulation. On 26 March, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said Malta was “actively exploring the emerging field of prediction markets, an area experiencing rapid global momentum which presents significant opportunities for innovation”. He added that any framework must be “supported by a clear, forward-looking legislative framework that enables it to develop responsibly and at scale”.

Other countries maintain stricter rules. Germany and the Netherlands restrict novelty betting markets, while France and the Netherlands treat many prediction platforms as unlicensed gambling or financial instruments, blocking operators such as Polymarket.

Industry data suggests continued user interest despite these limits. Ismail Vali of Gaming Compliance International has pointed to traffic and engagement patterns showing ongoing European participation.

Gibraltar’s move reflects an effort to position itself within a developing market while responding to economic and regulatory pressures.

Source:

"Gibraltar licenses first prediction market operator", igamingbusiness.com, April 1, 2026