Alderney could boost its reputation as a world leader in the world of gambling regulation if the government backs plans to expand its licensing scheme.
The States is being asked to approve a new category of licence offered by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
The Business To Consumer Associate licence would be available to firms not based in the island, but who want to be seen to living up to the standards laid out the Commission’s regulations.
At the moment, licensed gambling firms must be based in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
The new category would, in theory, mean existing firms based in the islands so they can be regulated by the Commission could move elsewhere but the chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee in the States of Alderney is reassuring fellow politicians that such an outcome isn’t expected.
He said: “The feedback received from Alderney E-Gaming Ltd is that this would be a welcome addition to the licence offering. It is not expected to see any material reduction in the number of licences based in Alderney and operating out of the Bailiwick, but is predicted to increase the number of total licences issued by AGCC and with a corresponding increase in net revenue.”
At the moment full licences cost between £17,500 and £4million a year. If the new proposal is approved, the fee would be set at a more modest £3,000.
There are currently around 45 gambling firms licensed through Alderney, including a host of well-known brands such as Tote Sport, Mecca Bingo, 32 Red, 888, Sky Bet and Betway.
The States will debate the move on Wednesday 10 January 2018.
