Operator News
Isle of Man – Isle of Man looks to boost land-based casino sector
By Phil - 11 May 2017
The Isle of Man is closing in on new powers for land-based casinos with new laws being approved at the first stage of the Island’s parliament aiming to see more gaming venues open on the island.
The Casino Amendment Bill will be given a second hearing having been passed by the House of Keys. The changes would give greater freedom to the island’s only existing casino, the Western Palace Hotel & Casino in the capital, Douglas, to relocate and would also allow it to open multiple satellite casino sites, via just one gaming licence.
The new laws would also give greater power to the Gambling Supervision Commission allowing it to revoke a casino licence if anti-money laundering laws were breached.
Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan said: “While online gambling has become a significant part of the Isle of Man’s economy, the island has always supported a small but well-regulated domestic gambling sector, which includes licensed casinos.”
Whilst there is only one casino on the Isle of Man, two are allowed under the 1986 Casino Act.
The new laws would also the allow Ministers to rule on whether a deposit was needed from the concessionaire before a casino licence is offered.
