Ever since the Isle of Man jurisdiction opened up their doors and began offering licenses to the online gaming industry years ago, the island has enjoyed all the economic benefits that’s brought, like jobs. Now the tiny government is looking forward to continued growth in the gaming sector and will be issuing up to seven new gaming licenses in 2013.
In fact, there’s more to come: John Shimmin, the Economic Development Minister is currently looking at a total of “15 individuals or organizations” that have set their sites on obtaining an Isle of Man license.
The tiny island has been aggressive over the years of recruiting many of the top gaming companies including Poker Stars, whose main office has been located there for several years. Ever since Poker Stars acquired Full Tilt Poker in 2012, that paved the way for Tilt to acquire a new license there as well.
Now the count for all licensees will head over the 50 companies mark. Others include the likes of Swedish games developer NYX Interactive and the betting exchange Fastbet.
Isle of man is also one of the only pioneering jurisdictions that will provide an official and recognized “eGaming Foundation Course” for individuals who would like to have a real career in eGaming. The Isle of Man Government’s Department of Economic Development and Hamblin Employment Group successfully started the foundation course back in 2010.
Today, the gaming industry in the region employs over 600 people and with the new seven licensees coming on board, this definitely means the industry is growing there.