Alderney could enhance its reputation as being one of the leading destinations on a global scale in terms of gambling regulation, in case that the local Government supports plans of possible licensing scheme expansion.
The move is expected to be officially brought into consideration by the States of Alderney after a week, with the debate on the proposed changes being set for January 10th, 2018.
Previously, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, a non-political regulatory body that regulates online gambling in the States of Alderney, has offered a new gambling licence category. The Commission has also asked the States to give its approval to the proposed licence addition.
The newly-proposed licence category, called the Business To Consumer Associate licence, is set to be available to companies which are not based on the territory of the island, but want to be allowed to operate there in line with the regulatory rules set by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
Up to date, licensed gambling companies are required to be based in the Bailiwick of Guernsey in order to be allowed to operate in Alderney. The new licence category, however, would in theory provide the already existing companies based in the islands and regulated by the local Gambling Commission with the opportunity to move elsewhere and still remain in line with the existing legislative rules.
Would the New Licence Category Bring Benefit or Harm?
The Chairman of the States of Alderney’s Policy and Finance Committee, however, reassured other politicians that for the time being such operators are not expected to move their headquarters elsewhere. According to him, Alderney E-Gaming Ltd has presented feedback that shows that the addition of a new licence category would be great for the already existing licence offering of the territory. As he explained, no actual reduction in the number of Alderney-based gambling operating licences is expected.
Still, the Policy and Finance Committee’s Chairman shared that preliminary predictions show that the number of total licences granted by the local Gambling Control Commission. In addition, the an increase of the net gambling revenue is also expected as a result of the rising number of issued licences.
For the time being, the full licences issued by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission are estimated to an amount that could vary from £17,500 to £4 million on an annual basis. In case that the new licence category proposal is given the green light, the annual fee is expected to be set at a quite modest amount of £3,000.
Currently, approximately 45 gambling operators run their services on the territory of Alderney under a licence issued by the local Gambling Commission. Some of the most popular gambling brands, such as 888, 32 Red, Betway, Sky Bet, Mecca bingo and Tote Sport hold licences through the States of Alderney.
- Author
Daniel Williams
