Gibraltar has been once again involved in a conflict between the UK, on one hand, and Spain, on the other hand. This time, the entire gambling industry of the Rock could be affected by the result of the upcoming elections in Spain.
Spain is now getting ready for a controversial national election that, unfortunately, puts the fate of Gibraltar’s gambling sector in danger. The Popular Party (PP) has shared the opinion of the Vox Party that has warned it would shut down the border between the country and the British Overseas Territory. According to reports, the Popular Party and the Vox Party would win if the country’s elections were held at the time of writing.
Both the UK and Spain have controlled the Rock at different times, with the two countries frequently having heated discussions over the rightful ownership of Gibraltar. So far, the two countries have managed to deal with their differences in a friendly manner, which makes it easier for European Union (EU) and, specifically Spanish, residents to live in Spain and work in Gibraltar.
For the time being, there are about 13,000 people who work in the Rock, with them being required to present a Spanish or EU ID in order to enter Gibraltar. No work visas or passports have been required from such individuals to enter the British Overseas Territory. This has been particularly beneficial for Spaniards living north of the border because they have been able to earn decent wages in Gibraltar instead of getting significantly lower payment for pretty much the same job in their own country.
Reportedly, around 10,500 of the non-local workforce of Gibraltar originate from Spain, although Italian, Portuguese, German and other nationals are also engaged in the industry. A potential closure of the borders would require them to present a passport to enter Gibraltar from Spain.
Gibraltar’s Gambling Sector Employes Large Number of Spanish Workers
As Casino Guardian previously reported, the British Overseas Territory has been popular with the Spanish community for a bunch of reasons, such as the provision of employment for a large number of Spanish nationals, not to mention the fact that alcohol and cigarettes are currently free of tax in Gibraltar.
Apart from that, a significant number of non-local employees have been working in the Rock’s gambling sector. If the new Spanish Government that is set to be elected shuts the border down, Gibraltar’s gambling industry would suffer a significant blow. Although there has been no indication that such a border closure is pending, both workers and authorities are getting clear signals that changes are on their way.
A couple of months ago, at the time when Spain’s national elections took place, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the PSOE (the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) lost a lot of their influence. At the time, Sanchez called for a quick election to take place, with Spanish voters preparing to go to the polls on July 23rd.
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party has managed to establish a friendly relationship with Gibraltar that has led to a period of calmness. The Popular Party and the Vox Party, however, are willing to take the country on a different path, as they want to adopt a more nationalist protection approach. If that approach means closing the border with Gibraltar, they are ready to do so, but so far neither one of the parties has had enough control in order to make such decisions.
- Author
Daniel Williams
