HM Government of Gibraltar has selected Stephen Hodgson as the next Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director, the government said on 13 November 2026. The selection panel’s recommendation was unanimous, and Hodgson will take up both roles when the current Commissioner’s tenure ends.
Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner selection
The Gibraltar Development Corporation ran the independent recruitment process, according to the government’s press release 894/2026. Hodgson has more than 20 years of experience covering regulation, taxation, public affairs and international markets, the government said.
The government opened the vacancy for Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director on 18 June 2026. The post is a 2-year fixed term with an option to renew, and the holder leads the Gambling Division and reports to the Minister responsible for gambling. Applications closed on 14 July, with interviews held in September.
I am honoured to have been selected as Gibraltar’s next Gambling Commissioner. I look forward to leading the Gambling Division, championing Gibraltar’s gaming sector and building on the work undertaken in recent years to firmly establish Gibraltar’s status as a tier one centre of excellence for gaming.
Stephen Hodgson, incoming Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director, HM Government of Gibraltar
Minister’s statement
Nigel Feetham KC MP, Gibraltar’s Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, tied the appointment to the government’s plans to widen the sector’s international reach.
I am delighted to confirm the selection of Mr Hodgson as Gibraltar’s next Gambling Commissioner. His experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen, diversify and broaden the sector’s international reach. I also wish to acknowledge the contribution made over the years to Gibraltar’s gaming sector, particularly in relation to the development of the new Gambling Act and the prediction markets regime.
Nigel Feetham KC MP, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, HM Government of Gibraltar
Andrew Lyman’s tenure
Hodgson succeeds Andrew Lyman, who was named Executive Director and Head of the Gambling Division in the government’s release of 28 September 2017, moving from his post as Director of Regulatory Affairs at William Hill in London. He took over from Phill Brear.
During Lyman’s tenure, Gibraltar brought in the Gambling Act 2025 and its GOSS licence and in July launched a prediction markets framework. In September the Gambling Division rejected claims that the sector was in terminal decline. The iGaming Europe thanks Andrew Lyman for his years of work for Gibraltar’s gaming sector and for his support of the industry.
Next steps
Hodgson will take office when Lyman’s tenure ends. The government’s release of 13 November did not give a handover date. The new Commissioner takes charge of the Gambling Division as it applies the Gambling Act 2025 and the prediction markets regime the Minister named in his statement.
Source: HM Government of Gibraltar
