Spain may seek to close borders, putting Gibraltar's gaming ecosystem at risk
Gibraltar, a 2.6-square-mile British Overseas Territory (BOT) connected to southern Spain, is once again locked in a tug-of-war between the two countries. This time, depending on the outcome of Spain’s upcoming elections, the results could impact Boulder’s gaming industry.
Gibraltar is popular with the Spanish community for several reasons - including duty-free alcohol and cigarettes. However, it is also popular because it provides employment opportunities for many Spaniards.
Spain is preparing for disputed national elections that threaten its fate. The People's Party (PP) is forming an alliance with the Vox party, which wants to close the border between the two regions. If the election were held today, PP and Vox would win.
Possible troubles in the future
Both Spain and Britain have controlled Gibraltar at varying intervals, and have regularly engaged in heated discussions over who should be the legal owner. They resolved their differences amicably, making it easier for Spanish and European Union (EU) citizens to live in Spain and work at the BOT.
There are currently around 13,000 such workers - entry into Gibraltar requires only a Spanish or EU ID card. No passport is required, and there is no need to apply for a work visa.
This is particularly beneficial for Spanish nationals living north of the border. Depending on their job, they could earn around $1,800 in Gibraltar, as opposed to around $1,100 in their home country.
About 10,500 of Gibraltar's non-resident workforce are from Spain, but there are also some from Portugal, Italy, Germany and other countries. If the border closes, everyone will have to have a passport to enter Gibraltar from Spain.
Many of these workers provide much-needed services to the gaming industry. If Spain manages to close its borders, the industry will suffer.
While there's no sign of imminent closures yet, it's becoming increasingly clear that changes are afoot.
Anything needed
In May, Spain held national elections, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE, by its Spanish acronym) losing a lot of support. Sánchez later called for early elections given the changing mood as Spaniards prepare for July 23 elections.
While the Spanish Socialist Workers Party established a working relationship with Gibraltar and brought about a period of calm (although it also pushed for control of Gibraltar at times), the Popular Party (and VOX) wanted a different approach. They prefer a nationalistic defense of Spain and may demand a settlement of the territory's fate once and for all.
If it means closing the borders, they are willing to do that. In the run-up to the election, neither the PP nor VOX had enough control to be effective. Combining their powers will change that.
They hinted that a takeover would be carried out by any means necessary short of a hostile military invasion - which was unlikely (although this would not be the first time). However, PP and VOX made demands to the UK, hoping to push the UK into a desperate situation.
This comes despite Spain, Gibraltar, the UK and the EU having spent more than a year trying to reach an agreement on the reef's status. It has always been marginalized by Britain and forced to fend for itself in almost every way. Yet the UK won't hesitate when it comes to getting a cut of the Bank of England's revenue.
Even if PP and VOX take over Spain, it is still possible that they will try to relax some of the existing conditions. It's too early to say what will happen, but it's not too early to prepare for a new Gibraltar.
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Source: www.casino.org
