E-gaming rules protect gamblers, regulator says

A national income report showed e-gaming made up 15% of the island's economy

The Isle of Man's e-gaming industry is held to the "the highest standards of player protection", the sector's regulator has said.

Campaigners took to the streets of Douglas city centre on Monday to highlight concerns over gambling addiction.

It followed figures from the 2021-22 National Income Report, which showed the e-gaming industry contributed 15.7% to the economy.

Responding to the concerns the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) said the sector was "based on stringent measures to protect players".

'Robust regulatory framework'

In a statement the GSC said those measures included "rigorous licensing requirements, mandatory player protection features and regular audits of gaming operations".

"By securing an Isle of Man license, license holders are required to demonstrate and commit to upholding the highest standards of player protection," it said.

During their demonstration, campaigners criticised the Department for Enterprise for "actively promoting" the industry on its website.

However, the digital agency within the department said it "continues to regularly engage with all businesses operating in the e-gaming sector, alongside community groups and problem gambling services".

The department was "committed to ensuring the development" of the industry with a "robust regulatory framework, which balances player protection", it added.