UK releases no-deal Brexit checklist for gambling operators
Eight-point checklist covers employees, data and services ahead of 31 October deadline
The UK government has released an eight-point Brexit checklist for gambling operators in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on 31 October.
As part of preparations, operators are asked to check if employees need a visa or work permit in the country, as UK businesses will no longer be treated as so-called “local” businesses following Britain’s exit from the EU.
Operators are also requested to prompt their employees to check if they need to apply to the government’s EU settlement scheme to grant settled status following Brexit. Firms are encouraged to ensure their employees check travel restrictions on proposed travel throughout the EU after Brexit.
The UK is expected to leave the European Union without a deal on 31 October, however Prime Minister Boris Johnson is currently readying a last-ditch attempt at securing a deal with the EU before this date.
High level regulatory meetings have already taken place between the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association and the Gibraltarian government discussing the prospect of a no-deal Brexit and its effect on the local economy.
As part of the preparations, operators running large UK-based online businesses providing digital services are obliged to appoint a representative in the European Union following Brexit.
Gambling operators providing licensed content outside of the UK are asked to check if they need to change their contracts to continue to provide this content in the post-Brexit environment.
Finally, operators are encouraged to prepare within their business to deal with the importation of gambling hardware from the European Union to the UK after Brexit.
Bet365 became the first operator to actively relocate staff members from Gibraltar to Malta following a “rationalization” of the business in May. However, other operators including Lottoland, Rank Group and BetVictor have reaffirmed their commitment to staying in Gibraltar and are actively recruiting individuals for their respective Gibraltarian offices.