Poll: Would Brexit damage the UK egaming industry?

The British public will go the polls this week to vote on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union, a decision which could have huge ramifications for the online gambling industry.

The referendum has been deemed the biggest decision for the British public in a generation and opinion polls point to a closer outcome than Prime Minister David Cameron would have initially hoped for.

YouGov’s most recent poll has Remain just ahead on 44%, compared to 43% for the Leave camp, while Britain Elects’ EU referendum polling averages currently has Leave ahead by 1.8%.

And although a late swing towards Remain is expected, bookmakers have shortened their odds on Brexit in recent weeks after an apparent recent surge in people favouring withdrawal from the EU.

The advantages and disadvantages of the UK remaining a member of the EU have been tirelessly debated by politicians over recent weeks, but what impact could Brexit have on the UK’s egaming sector?

Those in favour of Remain may argue restrictions on the freedom of movement would hit the UK’s access to a pool of egaming talent throughout the European Union.

There is also concern about the future of the self-governed British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar following Spain’s proposals for shared sovereignty of the Rock with the UK if Brexit occurs.

However, Brexiters may argue the impact of voting out would actually be very minimal as the EU does not regulate the online gaming sector and operators are already licensed in multiple jurisdictions.

The UK is also one of the world’s biggest regulated online gambling jurisdictions with a strong national framework already in place.

With this in mind, this week’s eGaming Review poll would like to know whether you think Brexit would be good or bad for the UK’s online gambling sector. Have your say on the right-hand side of the page.