Most gaming companies in the Isle of Man have already made their decision about new regulations in the UK, says government eGaming chief Peter Greenhill.
At the weekend the UK High Court rejected a Judicial Review challenge by the Gibraltar Betting and Gambling Association (GBGA) against the new licensing regime imposed by the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.
Under the act gambling operators would have to obtain a licence from the UK Gambling Commission to offer their services to UK consumers.
Legislation was due to come into force on October 1, 2014 but was pushed back to November 1, 2014.
Gambling operators now have until October 23 to submit an application and fee to the UK Gambling Commission.
But Peter Greenhill, chief executive officer, eGaming development at the Department of Economic Development, said he did not envisage any race against time to beat the deadline. He understood island operators, who have UK customers, have already applied. He said it was ‘business as usual’ for the island’s 60 licence holders. He said some operators would not be applying because they do not have UK customers.
Eric Hollreiser, head of corporate communications at PokerStars said: ‘The Rational Group (owners of PokerStars and Full Tilt brands) has applied for licensing under the UK’s new arrangements, and will offer uninterrupted services to players. The Isle of Man will continue to be our operational base. ‘Most importantly for players, we have volunteered to adhere to the highest standard of player protection for account balances of UK players.’