IOM delivers further important improvements to the regulation of E-Gaming European I-Gaming Congress & Exhibition [EIGE] NICE 7th – 9th November 2005

Bill Mummery, Head of E-Gaming Development for the Isle of Man Government, used the major European I-Gaming Congress & Exhibition currently taking place in Nice to make significant and exciting announcements regarding the development of the Island as a Global Centre of Excellence for the E-Gaming industry.

The Isle of Man Government has been working closely with the private sector to provide a more co-ordinated and strategic approach to the development of the E-Gaming industry in the Isle of Man, resulting in some important changes to regulations that will assist both operators and supporting service businesses.

Bill explained: “The Isle of Man has made very significant progress in recent years in attracting leaders in the key sectors of the industry including Microgaming, Neteller and Pokerstars. To further develop the commercial environment within which our operators can compete effectively in the global market, the Isle of Man Government has, with the involvement of industry experts Professor Neville Topham and Hilary Stewart-Jones of Berwin Leighton Paisner in London, formulated a range of regulatory changes in the key areas of:

1. Software Testing
2. Disaster Recovery Hosting
3. Advertising and Marketing

These will be in place during November and I am confident that they will further enhance the comparative advantage of the Isle of Man and its operators and attract new business to the Island”.

For Software Testing, the requirements for accreditation will be simplified, reducing cost and complexity for licence holders. Disaster Recovery of gambling sites and Marketing of on-line gambling products will no longer be activities that require a licence, simplifying their operation.

Bill also explained further plans to improve E-Gaming legislation: “In parallel with these regulatory changes the process of replacing all the Isle of Man’s Gambling Primary Legislation with one new Act is progressing well, again with the involvement of Professor Neville Topham and Hilary Stewart-Jones of Berwin Leighton Paisner. Government will be consulting with the industry shortly.”

It is anticipated the new legislation will be in force by July 2006 and will be an enabling instrument aimed at future proofing the Island’s legislative framework by allowing for rapid changes in regulation where business opportunities are identified in relation to changes in markets, customer focus and technology.

Bill concluded: “These are exciting and dynamic times and the Isle of Man with its 0% Corporate Tax strategy, world class telecommunications infrastructure and effective regulatory framework will continue to be a leading jurisdiction in supporting the E-Gaming industry.”