The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, Andrew Lyman, and the Minister for Justice, Trade, and Industry, Nigel Feetham, have issued a firm rebuttal against recent media reports concerning the licensing of ADI (operating as PredictStreet). In a move to protect the jurisdiction’s regulatory reputation, officials characterised the critical coverage as “sensationalist reporting” that fails to account for the technical nuances of the licensing process.
The controversy stems from the decision to grant a licence to the territory’s first specialized prediction market operator. While the move was initially celebrated as a milestone for the Rock’s evolving ecosystem, notably highlighted when Gibraltar issued its first prediction market operator licence, subsequent media scrutiny questioned the background and approval speed of the entity involved.
Andrew Lyman Defends ADI PredictStreet Licensing and Regulatory Vetting Process
Speaking on the matter, Commissioner Andrew Lyman emphasised that the recommendation for ADI’s licence followed a comprehensive due diligence process. He noted that the scrutiny applied to PredictStreet was consistent with Gibraltar’s high regulatory standards and that the operator met all statutory requirements under current legislation.
Lyman clarified that prediction markets, which allow users to trade on the outcome of future events, represent a sophisticated segment of the industry. He argued that the “controversy” was largely manufactured by outlets that do not fully grasp the distinction between traditional sports wagering and the technicalities of exchange-based prediction platforms. The Commissioner stood by the integrity of the Licensing Authority, asserting that no shortcuts were taken in the approval of the firm.
Modernizing Regulation for Emerging Prediction Markets
Minister Nigel Feetham echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the media attention was an attempt to politicise standard regulatory procedures. Feetham highlighted that Gibraltar remains committed to being a hub for financial and gaming innovation, provided that such innovation occurs within a strictly controlled environment.
The defence of this licence comes at a pivotal time for the British Overseas Territory. The government is currently navigating the transition toward a modernised legal framework, following the first parliamentary reading of the Gibraltar Gambling Bill 2025. This new legislation is designed to replace the ageing 2005 Act, providing the Gambling Commissioner with more robust powers to oversee emerging sectors like prediction markets and digital asset integration.
Addressing Transparency and Beneficial Ownership in Gibraltar’s Gaming Sector
Critics of the licensing decision had previously pointed toward a perceived lack of transparency regarding the beneficial ownership and operational history of ADI. However, the Gambling Commissioner’s office maintained that all “fit and proper” tests were concluded satisfactorily.
Lyman pointed out that the jurisdiction has a long-standing history of attracting top-tier operators and that the entry of a prediction market firm is a natural evolution of the market. He warned that sensationalising the entry of new business models could harm Gibraltar’s status as a “white-listed”, gold-standard jurisdiction.
Future of the Gibraltar Betting Market: Innovation Amid Rising UK Tax Pressures
Despite the media friction, the Gibraltar government appears undeterred in its strategy to diversify its gaming portfolio. By defending the PredictStreet licence, the authorities are signalling to the global iGaming community that they will not be swayed by external pressure when their internal compliance benchmarks have been met.
As the Gambling Bill 2025 moves through Parliament, the industry expects further clarity on the operational requirements for niche operators. For now, the message from the Rock is clear: Gibraltar’s regulatory decisions are based on merit and technical compliance, rather than public narrative. The regulator remains focused on maintaining its reputation for stability and rigorous oversight as it prepares for the next generation of digital wagering.