A bid to refer the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill to a select committee was rejected amid claims it could harm the island’s MONEYVAL assessment.
Kate Lord-Brennan sought a committee of three members citing significant industry concerns about the bill’s breadth and potential economic impact.
She argued that “the broadening out of civil penalties and of other key terms and definitions truly needs to be tested and challenged” and that there was “no impact assessment in the public domain”.
Supporting the motion, Chris Thomas said the proposal would allow for “expert advice”.
Consultation
However, Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson, opposed the move, stating that extensive consultation had already taken place and that further delay would “kill the progress of this bill”.
He warned that pausing the legislation would risk the Isle of Man’s upcoming MoneyVal assessment, stating “they have already pointed out that they will be looking at our e-gaming sector in detail”.
The motion was defeated by MHKs with 13 votes against and seven in favour.