Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas issued a stark warning that the island must not “suffocate” its e-gaming sector through over-regulation
Speaking during a debate on the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill, Mr Thomas argued the government’s approach risked undermining an industry accounting for over one-sixth of the national economy.
“If somebody has decided you no longer want an e-gaming sector, it’s too dangerous for us, put that on the table,” he told the House. “Don’t just suffocate the e-gaming sector, just be brutally honest.”
He supported a failed motion to refer the complex bill to a specialist committee, criticising the legislative process.
Nobody’s Listening
“I’m talking about the future of real people with real liabilities,” he said.
The debate was “so important for 1/6 of our economy” and for “some of the highest paying jobs,” he said, reporting that industry figures are “coming to me to say, Chris, we’ve just given up. Nobody’s listening to us”.
His calls were met with firm opposition from senior ministers, who defended the bill as a necessary modernisation.
Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson argued the reforms were essential to protect the island’s reputation and counter criminal risks, stating the government had listened and amended the bill in response to sector feedback.
He also warned that sending the bill to a committee “is very likely that would kill the progress of this bill” and would leave the island exposed before this year’s MONEYVAL assessment.
Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson strongly rejected any suggestion the government was withdrawing support, saying it is “absolutely vital to be clear on the record that this island absolutely supports the e-gaming sector”.
She warned that criminal infiltration could “weaponise parts of our sector”, which would “cause severe and long, lasting damage”.
Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston also argued extensive consultation had already taken place and that further delay was unnecessary.
The motion for a committee was defeated by 13 votes to 7. The matter will return to Keys later this month.