Top gambling licensing authority Gibraltar has opened its doors to New World iGaming (NWiG) prediction markets.
The so-called “Rock”, a sovereign British overseas territory, tax haven and home to over 30 big ticket gambling operators, has announced it’s fully open for prediction markets business, effectively making it the European gateway for the soaring sector.
In April, Gibraltar announced that it had granted its its first prediction market licence to ADI PredictStreet, issuing it as a betting intermediary under the territory’s existing gambling legislation.
ADI PredictStreet went live last week as the official prediction market partner of FIFA World Cup 2026.
NWiG Strategy
Gibraltar’s move into NWiG is part of a strategy to diversify the Rock’s regulated gambling sector and attract businesses operating in emerging prediction markets, currently led by U.S. giants Kalshi and Polymarket.
And iGamingFuture has learned that at least one other prediction market–*Wager Wire*, owned by Wire Industries Inc.–is applying for one of the new Gibraltar licences.
The British enclave’s liberal embrace of the prediction markets phenomenon contrasts with the negativity of much of Europe, where regulators have generally taken a more restrictive approach to NWiG.
Enforcement
Countries such as France and Portugal, for example, have treated prediction markets as unlicensed gambling – and taken enforcement action; while other nations continue to debate whether they should be regulated as gambling products or financial instruments.
Wire Industries’ initial approval for its subsidiary supports its planned rollout strategy, with a launch aimed for around the start of the 2026 American NFL season and major international football leagues.
“This is a transformational opportunity for [us] to fully realize our mission,” WagerWire CEO Zach Doctor, told iGamingFuture.
“For years, we’ve built products that challenge the status quo by introducing greater flexibility, liquidity, and control into traditional sports betting.
“We feel a strong alignment with Gibraltar’s vision and its longstanding reputation as the gold standard in international gaming regulation.
“The jurisdiction’s commitment to thoughtful innovation creates a powerful foundation for growth, and we’re excited about the opportunity to build from Gibraltar as we pursue a global vision for the future of prediction markets,” Doctor affirmed.
WagerWire
Founded in 2019 and based in Los Angeles, WagerWire operates a secondary marketplace for online sports bets and fantasy sports entries, allowing bettors to treat their active sports wagers like a portfolio of tradable assets and letting them buy and sell bets before a game or season officially ends.
Gibraltar’s Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, the Hon. Nigel Feetham KC MP, confirmed the territory was deep into discussions with WagerWire.
“WagerWire’s application is being viewed favorably at this stage, subject to the completion of the relevant due diligence, assessment processes and regulatory requirements,” said the parliamentarian.
The license, if issued, will be granted as “an intermediary” under the 2005 Gambling Act, even though new gambling legislation has yet to come into force.
“Gibraltar has long been recognized as a leading jurisdiction for innovative and responsibly regulated gaming businesses,” asserted minister Feetham.
“We welcome applications from companies that prioritize transparency, compliance and technological innovation.”
