Betfair "fully committed" to Gibraltar despite dual director exits
Operator pledges to "retain a presence" on peninsula as eGR learns of two senior departures from its Waterport Place offices
Betfair says it remains committed to retaining a presence in Gibraltar after eGaming Review learned two senior members of its Gibraltar-based operations exited the firm earlier this week.
Director of gaming Matt Robinson and director of VIP Bernadette Edwards both left the operator on Monday while director of sports VIP Tim Edwards is also believed to leaving the firm.
Betfair COO Mark Brooker is said to have travelled to the peninsula to finalise the departures in a move which has reignited speculation the operator may be planning to withdraw or downsize its Gibraltar-based operations.
However, while declining to comment specifically on the departures, a spokesperson for Betfair rejected the suggestion the operator could be about to leave the peninsula.
“Betfair is fully committed to retaining its presence in Gibraltar,” the spokesperson said.
Gibraltar has been home to Betfair since it decided to relocate its gaming team in 2011 while its Waterport Place offices also house a number of its VIP staff.
With a 15% British Point of Consumption tax coming into effect from December, coupled with increased regulatory costs, operators have been forced to a review their overheads.
Betclic Everest recently confirmed it was conducting a review of its Gibraltar operations while eGR also understands other firms are considering their presence on the peninsula.
However, while some contemplate withdrawing from the British-owned territory, bet365 this week confirmed it had relocated its entire international remote gambling operations to Gibraltar as part of a corporate restricting of the firm.