Following the announcement of the granting of a gambling licence to Poker Stars, the second largest operator of its type in the world, the resulting publicity both in the business and trade media is helping to raise considerably the Isle of Man´s profile in the international e-gaming industry.

The Department of Trade and Industry says it is in negotiations with a number of very significant companies wishing to relocate all or part of their operations to the island. These range from additional poker and sports betting operations to businesses supplying specialist IT skills and experience, such as may me used in hosting gaming companies systems and in providing disaster recovery facilities.

Some of the discussions are at a relatively advanced stage and the Department is confident that these will result in more successes for the Island in the short to medium term.

“I am delighted that we are now starting to see some significant new e-gaming businesses looking to establish a presence on the island,” commented Minister for the Department, Alex Downle MLC.

“There is real evidence that we now have a very competitive environment for those e-gaming businesses wishing to operate from a quality, well regulated jurisdiction. Poker Stars, for example, will have its headquarters and management control located in the Isle of Man and will create 20-30 quality jobs. This is exactly the type of new high value business that will benefit the Island´s economy,” Mr Downle added.