IGN has learned that Alderney of the British Channel Islands may be about to open its doors to more online gambling operations, including online casinos.
According to an anonymous source close to the island's government, the Gambling Control Commission will soon switch its policy to allow for the granting of an unlimited number of online gambling licenses. The source also said the issuing of three new licenses will likely be announced within the week.
Policy currently calls for a maximum of nine online gambling licenses, all of which are restricted to bookmaking. In addition to eliminating the cap on the number of licenses, the government is expected to begin issuing online casino licenses.
The new approach would be overseen by recently appointed chief executive André Wilsenach, who previously served on the South African Lotteries and Gambling Board and was the first chief executive of the recently formed State Gaming Board of Mpumalanga. Well known as a regulator and as a consultant on gaming and regulatory compliance matters, Wilsenach additionally served on the National Gambling Board of South Africa and was a founding member of the Southern African Gambling Regulators Association. His appointment was effective January 2000.
Wilsenach replaces Moran Chapman, who was credited by the commission as being one of the very early advocates of worldwide Internet gambling. In its announcement, the commission said Chapman retired as planned, however, insiders suggest the commission was not happy that after a few years of seeking new licensees, only one licensed bookmaker, Sportingbet, was operating within the jurisdiction.
The challenge for Alderney has risen greatly in recent months due to the removal of the U.K. betting duty as well as the emergence of the Isle of Man as a premier offshore jurisdiction.
Chapman remains available to the commission as a consultant.