Another step toward the legalization of online casinos in Isle of Man has been taken. The Manx government sent the Online Gambling Regulation Bill for royal ascent after it completed passage through both the House of Keys and the Legislative Council. Officials expect the bill to be enacted by June or July of this year.
Regulations for online casino gambling will also come into force when the bill is enacted. The regulations will cover:
- the prescribed form of application;
- prescribed form of license including conditions and more;
- prescribed general rules under which online gambling may be conducted;
- prescribed payment methods;
- regulation of advertising;
- prescribed rules to prevent underage gambling;
- setting periods of notification and more;
- prescribed contravention of which rules will be punishable under 21(4);
- prescribed rules for each game;
- prescribed level of application fee;
- prescribed annual license fee; and
- prescribed duty of excise entitled "on-line gambling duty."
At this time there has been no announcement made regarding the rate of duty that will be charged for online gambling. It's expected that such announcement will be made prior to the application process being put into motion.
The Isle of Man Home Affairs Office is also seeking an online gambling coordinator to manage the introduction of online gambling licenses. Applications for the two-year contract position can obtain further
information and an application by contacting Julian Lalor-Smith with the department of home affairs via email at julian.lalor-smith@dha.gov.im or by telephone 01624-623355.