The Alderney Gambling Control Commission has reported better than expected growth in the
island's Internet-related economy, in terms of the e-gambling applications received and licenses
granted over the course of 2011.
Commenting on an 'excellent year' for the territory, the island's Director
of e-commerce, Robin Le Prevost, said that performance during 2011 surpassed expectations.
“In common with all other jurisdictions the middle of 2010 had been relatively
quiet but we ended the year strongly. That growth has increased throughout 2011
and we are absolutely delighted with the activity attracted to Alderney," he said.
Le Prevost attributed the growth to a combination of factors: “There is a realization
in the industry that a single licence is not a workable concept in Europe and
this has led many operators to examine all the supporting reasons why they are
in any particular jurisdiction. When it comes to regulatory stability, knowledge,
reputation, tax and technical infrastructure we are clearly at the top of the
pile.”
Le Prevost in particular noted that a number of established operators had decided to migrate their operations to Alderney, which he suggested was as a result of the territory's position as a specialist centre, with a benign tax environment, and with
no risk of exposure to the double imposition of gambling duties.
However, Le Provost was clear that Alderney "will not rest on its laurels for one minute as we continue
to build on what is now our third largest industry and we will continue to encourage
and attract the highest quality of operators to join us here in the islands.”
Despite operating a larger technical hub than the next four competing jurisdictions
combined, to further develop the island into a hub for e-commerce and online
gambling operators, the government is ploughing substantial investment
into enhancing the island's Internet networks, Le Prevost said.
OFFSHORE-E-COM.COM
