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The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has released an update on its draft legislative reforms, reflecting changes made after consultation with industry stakeholders and feedback from the Treasury.
The reforms, first introduced through a public consultation in mid‑2025, cover a wide range of gambling laws dating back decades, including the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001 and the Casino Act 1986.
Responses to the consultation were largely supportive, especially of the plan to apply standardized inspection and investigation tools across different gambling acts. Concerns raised during the process were addressed in a response document, and the draft bill was taken to the House of Keys for its first reading in October 2025.
The latest updates show how the GSC has adjusted the bill to balance regulatory oversight with industry expectations. The Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan, recently stated that:
“[The Government]…will continue to work across industry and all agencies to ensure the Isle of Man remains a secure, stable and trusted jurisdiction for high quality and well-regulated iGaming businesses.”
Broad definition of “associate” and “fit and proper person” test
Treasury feedback said the definition of “associate” was too wide and could feel unfair, since it included “any person with whom the individual is known to have a close relationship.”
The GSC explained it could not narrow the wording because family and informal ties often matter in cases of risk or crime. They added that this follows global guidance from the Financial Action Task Force and would only be used when needed, with a fair and risk‑based approach.
The sector also asked for clear rules on the “fit and proper person” test. The original draft said the GSC “may” issue guidance, but operators wanted certainty. The GSC agreed and changed the wording to “must,” making guidance mandatory.
License cancellation rules and civil penalties
Concerns were raised about references to “indictable offences” in licence cancellation. The GSC removed the expanded list from the Act and moved it into secondary legislation. This way, future changes can be consulted on without slowing down the bull, and Tynwald can review them later.
There was also feedback on Clause 90, which asked if penalties should apply to both operators and persons. The GSC clarified that in law, ‘person’ already covers both individuals and companies.
The regulator agreed, stating that the process and limits will be set out in secondary legislation.
“The GSC would like to thank all respondents for their comments. Where possible, feedback from stakeholders is considered and amendments made accordingly. The GSC is committed to supporting a stable, reputable and sustainable industry on the Island and as such, continues to have an “open door” policy on feedback from industry,” the regulator concluded in its Friday release.
