Entain has committed £7.5m to refurbishing its Gibraltar offices, reinforcing its long-term presence in the territory as the gaming sector prepares for the impact of forthcoming UK tax increases.
The investment lands at a critical point for Gibraltar, where policymakers and operators alike are assessing the downstream effects of higher UK Treasury taxes on companies with material UK exposure.
While many groups are reviewing costs and geographic footprints, Entain’s capital spend represents a clear decision to maintain operational scale in the jurisdiction.
Gibraltar’s Minister for Justice, Trade & Industry, Nigel Feetham, welcomed the move in comments to GBC News, describing it as “great news” during what he acknowledged will be a difficult period for the industry.
Entain is the territory’s second-largest private sector employer, with more than 700 staff, making its investment materially relevant to employment stability and the local tax base.
Feetham said the refurbishment should be viewed as a strategic signal rather than a cosmetic upgrade, calling it “a massive investment in Gibraltar” and a “vote of confidence” in the government, the economy and the gaming sector. He added that Entain is clearly positioning its Gibraltar presence as permanent and long term.
The interview also outlined the broader fiscal pressures facing the territory. Government estimates suggest UK tax rises could reduce Gibraltar’s corporate tax revenues by between £30m and £60m, depending on operator profitability and how effectively companies can mitigate the changes.
In parallel, Gibraltar is accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on UK-derived gaming revenues. Officials confirmed that discussions are ongoing with major investors looking to expand into non-UK and non-European markets, as the jurisdiction seeks to reposition itself as a base for globally diversified operators rather than UK-focused businesses.
This strategy, however, raises capacity questions. Sustained diversification is expected to increase demand for office space and housing, placing pressure on Gibraltar’s limited commercial real estate and rental markets.
