Isle of Man eGaming

The Isle of Man has established itself as a leading jurisdiction for the location, regulation and administration of eGaming companies.

The application process

The process involves gathering detailed information and documentation relating to the proposed business strategy, its management, operating structure, key service agreements, banking arrangements, player funds protection and anti-money laundering procedures.

Relevant experience in the industry needs to be demonstrated by the key individuals involved in the business. Due diligence documentation together with a detailed personal declaration form must be provided in respect of all parties involved.

A minimum of two Isle of Man resident directors is required to ensure mind and management is maintained on the Isle of Man. One of the resident directors must be capable of being appointed as the Designated Officer or the Operations Manager. The responsibilities of these roles are extensive and cannot be entered into lightly.

If you intend to use an Isle of Man approved software provider exclusively, it may be possible for you to apply for a sub-licence rather than a full licence. The annual fee for a sub-licence is substantially less than for a full licence but the application process, except for software testing and the requirements for due diligence to be carried out in respect of the software provider, is essentially the same.

Once the relevant documentation is submitted to the Gambling Supervision Commission, however comprehensive the application is, the next stage usually involves several communications with the GSC in response to queries arising from an initial review of the application. This precedes the setting of a date for a formal hearing with the Commission at which it is necessary for the directors and/or the local representatives to respond to additional questions needed to support the application.

Following the formal hearing the Commissioners may approve the application outright or approve it subject to certain conditions. The latter is more common and the licence will not be granted until all of conditions are met.

The application process should take approximately two months from the initial submission of the relevant documentation, through to approval (with or without conditions).

How ILS World can help

ILS World's eGaming and Digital team has a real passion for the industry - we have a "can-do" attitude and take new legislation and previously unseen business models in our stride.

We have both start-ups and established gaming clients, many of which are household names - we have and continue to work in many different sectors including eSports, sportsbook, casino, bingo and poker. Our knowledge in the sector is not restricted to online concerns and we assist several land-based operators and associated businesses such as casinos, banks, payment processing and marketing advisers.

We enjoy collaborating with those who are keen to develop and integrate new technologies into their business and we are very experienced at working with blockchain and cryptocurrency betting operators. Latterly we have partnered with eSports businesses embracing the use of digital currency and tokens within their models as well as working with a cryptocurrency custodian utilising cutting edge, self-developed technology to provide much needed security for clients holding cryptocurrency.

eGaming is a global high-speed industry and ILS World has developed specialist knowledge and skills to keep pace with the sector. We have GSC approved directors, and we are adept at dealing with new opportunities and gaining approval for appropriate licences in the Isle of Man and elsewhere.

ILS World enjoys a strong working relationship with the GSC and the Department of Enterprise which helps facilitate and support the application process. Our team consists of dedicated project managers, accountants, highly trained compliance officers, industry consultants and administrators.

Together, we have nurtured mutually beneficial relationships with our clients, suppliers and associates, all whilst working in partnership with governments and regulatory authorities. We extend our network of industry associates to all our clients, developing the international infrastructure necessary to launch and maintain a leading eGaming business.

Why Choose ILS World

As an independent global provider of fiduciary services to professional advisors, international corporate groups, and private clients we pride ourselves on our can-do attitude, taking new legislation and previously unseen business models in our stride, which has allowed us to become a leading fiduciary service provider within the digital sector.

ILS World first entered the eGaming sector in 1998, since then our digital team has acquired strong working relationships with the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), the Digital team within the Department of Enterprise, and providers of ancillary services. With a GSC approved team of directors we have developed specialist knowledge and skills to keep pace with this ever-changing sector.