GSC Pushes Forward With Updated Gambling Bill After Consultation
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) will move ahead with its updated Gambling Supervision Commission Bill after completing a detailed public consultation involving licensed operators, legal professionals, and other industry stakeholders. The legislation aims to modernize the island’s regulatory structure by merging existing acts and reinforcing oversight across the gambling sector.
The GSC’s newly released consultation response report revealed broad industry approval for the proposed reforms. Respondents agreed that the bill would streamline inspection, enforcement, and investigation processes, while better aligning the GSC’s authority with current risk assessments and National Risk publications.
Industry Welcomes Reform, Seeks Clarifications
A total of fifteen written submissions were received, reflecting a generally supportive stance toward harmonizing regulatory procedures under key laws, including the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001, the Gambling Supervision Act 2010, and the Gambling (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) Act 2018. Still, several respondents raised questions about certain investigatory powers, particularly those that could involve obtaining data from individuals or suppliers no longer tied to Isle of Man licensees.
The Commission responded by clarifying that these powers apply only to investigations and do not create ongoing obligations for unlicensed entities. It stressed that proportionality, judicial oversight, and respect for privacy are embedded in the bill’s structure to ensure responsible enforcement.
Feedback also centered on the definitions of “associate,” “controller,” “beneficial owner,” and “senior manager.” Some contributors felt the term “associate” was too expansive, potentially covering family members or informal connections. The GSC countered that such definitions are vital for uncovering concealed influence or ownership within licensees, while assuring that information requests would be guided by a risk-based approach.
When it came to ownership thresholds, opinions differed between 5% and 25%. The regulator confirmed that it will retain its current standards, 5% for private companies and 20% for public ones, but left room for future revisions through secondary legislation.
Another key debate involved amendments to the 2018 Anti-Money Laundering Act. While some participants endorsed new civil penalties for key persons and senior managers as a means to bolster accountability, others worried it might discourage qualified compliance staff. The GSC reaffirmed that sanctions would only follow formal investigations and that enforcement would remain proportionate. It also expanded the “key person” definition to include deputy money laundering reporting officers, aligning with existing AML/CFT guidelines.
Governance, Consumer Protection, and Future Plans
Several respondents voiced concern over the proposed removal of section 5(3)(h) from the Gambling Supervision Act 2010, a clause that previously required the regulator to consider “the desirability of facilitating industry development.” Some feared the omission might affect the Isle of Man’s competitive edge. The GSC clarified that promoting the industry is the responsibility of the Department for Enterprise, while the Commission’s duty is to safeguard the integrity of the regulatory system.
Stakeholders also weighed in on consumer protection and data management. Most welcomed clearer safeguards but requested details about how sensitive information would be handled. The Commission reassured respondents that confidentiality, legal privilege, and data protection would remain fully upheld, with data requests being “proportionate and targeted.”
Support was strong for new fitness and propriety checks under the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001. Many licensees commended the plan to publish guidance on suitability assessments to improve transparency. There were also mixed views on publicizing enforcement outcomes: while some advocated greater openness, others warned that excessive disclosure could damage reputations. The GSC said it would maintain a balance between transparency and fairness.
After reviewing all submissions, the regulator confirmed that the draft legislation will proceed largely as presented during consultation. The bill will go before Tynwald in October, with passage expected in 2026. The Commission plans to continue engagement through stakeholder updates and drop-in sessions.
In its closing statement, the GSC thanked participants for their “constructive feedback” and reaffirmed its goal of maintaining “a safe, fair, and competitive gambling environment.” The forthcoming framework, it said, will enhance consistency, strengthen compliance, and reinforce the Isle of Man’s standing as a globally respected center for regulated gaming.
Source: GSC Moves Forward With Updated Gambling Bill Following Industry Feedback, World Casino Directory, October 27, 2025.