Conversation needed over e-gaming, campaigner says

Protestors highlighted the potential dangers of gambling addiction

A group of protestors have held a demonstration in the centre of the Isle of Man's capital to highlight the issue of online gambling addiction.

Organiser Phil Craine said the protest aimed to "start a conversation" as the group felt "strongly about the harm done" by the industry, which had become a "pillar of the Manx economy".

It comes after the 2021-22 National Income Report showed e-gaming contributed 15.7% to the economy.

But executive director of Celton Manx Bill Mummery said the island's licensing framework was "regarded as a global leader in the quality of regulation and protection".

If the island withdrew from the sector "people would find themselves carrying out the same activity but under a regime, or lack of a licensing regime, in other parts of the world", Mr Mummery said.

That would leave them exposed to harms rather than protected from them, he said.

The protest was organised by campaigner Phil Craine

In it's annual report for 2022-23, Manx addiction charity Motiv8 said there had been "an increase in those attending for support for their gambling problems".

A spokeswoman said there had been a 37% rise on the previous year from those seeking the services and a dedicated support group had been setup.

In a statement, Douglas-based firm Microgaming said it only operated in "highly regulated gambling markets which offer the highest levels of player protection" and "safer gambling remains our number one priority".

The company had "worked alongside responsible gambling charities" to support those affected by problem gambling and would continue to work with the third sector to "identify new ways to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all".

Deborah Taubman took part in the demonstration on Circular Road

But Mr Craine said more needed to be done and called for the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) to use "their powers more" to encourage minimum stakes.

The Department for Enterprise (DfE) was "actively promoting" e-gaming on its website, he said.

The BBC has contacted the DfE and the GSC for a response.

Robert Riding said gambling was a worldwide problem that needed to be addressed

Protestor Robert Riding said gambling was "accessible to everyone via their mobile phones", which meant it was "destructive worldwide".

Fellow campaigner Deborah Taubman said gambling sent the "wrong message to society" and left people "chasing after something that's not going to bring any satisfaction".