Ministry of Justice, Trade and Industry Introduces Standalone Licensing Framework as Wire Markets Receives Approval in Principle
HM Government of Gibraltar is set to become the first jurisdiction in the world to introduce a bespoke regulatory regime for prediction markets. The Hon Nigel Feetham KC MP, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, has confirmed the introduction of a dedicated framework ahead of the publication of the gazetted regulations, marking a landmark development for the fast-growing prediction market vertical.
The regulations establish a standalone licensing framework for prediction market operators wishing to conduct prediction market activities under the Gibraltar regime. Two operators are already publicly engaged with the framework: ADI PredictStreet has been granted the jurisdiction’s first prediction market licence, and Wire Markets Ltd, the prediction market subsidiary of Wire Industries Inc., parent company of WagerWire, has received approval in principle.
Standalone Framework Covers Five Core Supervisory Pillars
The new Gibraltar framework is not a modification of existing gambling licensing rules and is not adapted from futures or financial services legislation. It is a dedicated regime designed specifically for the prediction market category, addressing the substantive supervisory questions the vertical has produced across markets.
The regulations include rules covering five substantive areas:
- Market integrity — how markets are operated and how the operator supervises trading behaviour.
- Participant protections — how consumers interact with the platform.
- Contract approvals — which specific event contracts can be listed on the platform.
- Surveillance — how the operator monitors activity for market abuse, integrity threats and financial crime.
- Use of digital assets — including stablecoins, for funding and settlement.
Ministerial Position: Regulating Innovation Responsibly
The regulatory approach frames innovation and supervision as complementary rather than opposing objectives. The framework is designed to give operators the clarity they need to build within a defined supervisory boundary while addressing market integrity, transparency, participant protection and financial crime prevention head-on.
The Hon Nigel Feetham KC MP, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, HM Government of Gibraltar, commented:
“Gibraltar’s approach is to regulate innovation responsibly by providing a clear regulatory framework for operators that wish to conduct prediction market activities under this regime, where it is the appropriate regulatory framework for their business. The focus is not on labels, but on ensuring that the chosen framework is capable of effective supervision and robust standards of market integrity, transparency, participant protection and financial crime prevention.”
Wire Markets: Approval in Principle for International Base
Wire Industries Inc., the parent company of WagerWire, has received approval in principle in Gibraltar for its prediction market subsidiary, Wire Markets Ltd. The move positions the company to establish a regulated international foundation for prediction market operations and to support future expansion into jurisdictions around the world.
While prediction markets have only recently captured widespread industry attention, WagerWire has spent years building technology-based products rooted in market-based participation, price discovery, liquidity, and consumer control. The Los Angeles-headquartered company pioneered the world’s first secondary marketplace for online sports bets, giving it a distinct heritage in market-based sports engagement products.
Through Wire Markets, the company intends to establish Gibraltar as its international base for prediction market operations, leveraging the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework as a springboard for global growth. The company believes Gibraltar’s leadership represents a rare opportunity to help shape industry best practices while building from one of the world’s most respected gaming jurisdictions.
Travis Geiger, Co-founder, WagerWire, commented:
“This is a landmark moment for the prediction market industry. By focusing on market integrity, innovation, and responsible oversight, Gibraltar has established a thoughtful framework that gives operators the clarity they need to build for the long term. We’re incredibly proud to have worked alongside HM Government of Gibraltar throughout this process and excited for what comes next.”
ADI PredictStreet: Inaugural Prediction Market Licence
In addition to Wire Markets’ approval in principle, Gibraltar has issued its first prediction market licence to ADI PredictStreet. As the jurisdiction’s inaugural licensed prediction market operator, ADI PredictStreet illustrates the type of business being attracted under Gibraltar’s new regulatory framework.
The company holds separately announced status as the Official Prediction Market Partner of FIFA World Cup 2026™, having also confirmed partnerships with DAZN, Fanatics Markets and Kalshi. The combination of the first Gibraltar licence and the FIFA World Cup partnership positions ADI PredictStreet as the highest-profile launch operator inside the new framework.
Through strategic partnerships across the sports and fintech ecosystem, including collaborations with Kalshi, ADI PredictStreet is building innovative, regulated products that redefine how fans engage with live events.
