CalvinAyre.com says – The Isle of Man has an operator friendly regime. They are a Tier 1 jurisdiction with a decent tax rate and are recognized by the UK and OECD White Lists. They are making improvements to infrastructure to aggressively pursuing new licensees.
Located in the Irish Sea between Liverpool and the Republic of Ireland, it has excellent technological capabilities much like another British-owned island, Gibraltar. The government recognizes the importance of the online gaming industry and is supportive of its ongoing development in this jurisdiction.
There are strict procedures to follow in terms of money laundering and a government that is very serious about the online gaming industry heavily protects player funds. As a Tier 1 jurisdiction, the gaming tax rate is competitive and this is recognized by the UK white list and OECD white list. It means that many firms decide to apply for a license to operate out of this jurisdiction.
Licenses lasting for five years are attractive to operators as it means they don’t have to apply for a new term every year. Their auditing process makes sure that the firms are sticking to their side of the bargain. When it comes to licensees taking bets from various places, they will ask for legal confirmation if they have any worries over a certain jurisdiction.
Type of Company Entity Available for iGaming Firms:
Must be incorporated and two resident directors are a requirement (these can be supplied by Corporate Service Providers).
Corporation Tax Rate:
0%.
Additional Gaming Tax Rate:
There is a duty payable on gross gaming yield (retained profit) minus affiliate costs:
GGR not exceeding £20m per year they pay 1.5%.
GGR between £20m and £40m per year they pay 0.5%.
GGR exceeding £40m per year they pay 0.1%.
Pool betting carries a flat duty of 15% of GGR.
Minimum Share Capital for an iGaming Company:
None
Security Requirements/Indemnity for Players Deposits:
Player funds kept in a separate account that is protected by Isle of Man law
License Fee:
- 1000GBP application fee
License Duration:
Five years.
Do Local Banks Process Online Gaming Transactions:
Yes.
Bandwidth Type Available:
Wide range of SLA guaranteed Internet bandwidth; private circuit and MPLS connectivity solutions are available. They are provided over two resilient fiber optic rings and one point to point cable.
Software Testing Requirements:
Certificate from one of 13 approved testing houses is required.
Reporting Requirements to the iGaming Regulators and/or Financial Regulator:
Access to the business, systems and audited accounts to be provided when requested by Gambling Supervision Commission.
Anti-Money Laundering Policy for iGaming Firms:
Full compliance with any AML policy that apply to the gambling that they are permitted to offer. Indemnification procedures, record keeping, internal procedures, education and training should be taken into account. Licensees Must also follow guidelines under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering – Online Gambling) Code 2010 and Prevention of Terrorist Financing (Online Gambling) Code 2011.
Restrictions on Jurisdictions from which you can take Wagers:
Up to the licensee to decide. Gambling Supervision Committee may ask for confirmation that independent legal advice has been taken in relation to certain markets.
Contact Details of Government Department or Regulator:
e-Gaming Development
Address: Department of Economic Development
St Georges House,
Upper Church Street,
Douglas,
Isle of Man,
IM1 1EX
Phone Number: +44 (0)1624 682365
Website: http://www.iomegaming.im/
Email: [email protected]
