Purpose
The Gibraltar Gambling Commission (GGC) is in place to ensure that only genuine and respectable gaming companies are able to offer their services from Gibraltar. To obtain a gaming license, an online casino must meet certain requirements. This includes having a clear ownership structure, the financial security to offer gaming services, and the means to provide these services with integrity.
In addition to having the power to grant licenses to online casinos that meet these requirements, the Gibraltar Gambling Commission has the ability to take them away if an operator breaks the terms and conditions.
Gambling Products
Specific gambling products have been identified by legislation under the Gambling Act, including betting, bookmaking, lottery, and gaming. In regards to gaming, the gambling products that require a gaming license include bingo, machine gaming, slots, poker, and all types of casino games. Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner licensed casinos offer a broad range of gaming platforms, including downloadable games and instant games, as well as mobile games.
Age Restrictions
Gambling websites that are licensed by the Gibraltar Gambling Commission are required to implement age restrictions in their online casinos. Players must be the legal minimum age to gamble in whichever country they reside. In most countries, the legal minimum gambling age is 18 years old. Only players who meet this age requirement can legally register at an online casino and place real money wagers.
Fair Gaming
Before granting an online casino with a gaming license, the GGC will determine whether the online casino provides players with a fair and transparent gaming experience. Online blackjack, roulette, slots, and other casino games must be ran using random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that the game cannot be influenced by software providers or casinos. RNGs guarantee totally random outcomes. The GGC also provides a list of accepted independent testing agencies that can provide certification.
Customer Privacy
Licenses awarded by the Gibraltar Gambling Commission require online casinos to obtain certain personal information from prospective customers. This includes the customer’s full name, date of birth, and residential address. Once this information has been collected, the licensee has the ability to grant the customer permission to become a registered player.
To ensure that all customer data remains safe and secure in the hands of the casino, the GGC requires online casinos to comply with the Data Protection Act. The Data Protection Act 2004 refers to the controls and processes used to safeguard information relating to individuals and their privacy. Online casinos must also show that they are fully competent in protecting their website from cyber-attacks and similar hazards.
Separate Funds
To be awarded a license from the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, an online casino must prove that it keeps its operating costs in an account that is separate from player funds. This ensures that if a casino was to ever go bankrupt, there would be sufficient money for players to withdraw their deposits and potential payouts. However, there are not specific guidelines in place in regards to payouts. Instead, the GGC suggests that licensees operate in accordance to their own set agreements with their customers.
Responsible Gaming
To retain a license with the GGC, all online casinos must have a direct link on their homepage that directs customers to at least one organization that is dedicated to assisting people with gambling problems.
Online casinos should also have a system in place that enables customers to directly self-exclude themselves from gambling or request that they be self-excluded from gaming activities. An online casino should also have information on their site that warns customers to not gamble beyond their means.
Complaints
If you have played or gambled at any online casino that is licensed with the Gibraltar Gambling Commission and experienced problems with the website or its owners and are unable to rectify the issue with the operator itself, you can direct your complaint to the GGC. Instructions on how to submit a complaint can be found on the Gibraltar government website. All complaints submitted to the GGC are dealt with fairly and as quickly as possible.
Licensed Casinos
The Gibraltar Gambling Commission was created to protect player’s interests and to provide a safe and secure environment in which to enjoy their favorite casino games.
There are many established casinos that hold licenses with the GGC, such as Redbet Casino, Virgin Games, Total Gold, and 888 Casino. These casinos meet the strict guidelines and regulations set by GGC to ensure that customers receive fun and fair gaming opportunities.
