Saturday, November 04, 2006

Richard Caborn chaired this week's international summit on Remote Gambling
which took the island's industry as an example of how  the sector could be
efficiently regulated. Home minister Mike Torode and legislative and
administrative coordinator Elizabeth Dene were among  delegates from over 30
jurisdictions at the summit at Ascot racecourse. It was hosted by UK Culture
Secretary Tessa Jowell who is calling for the activity to be legalised and
regulated in the UK as the best means to keep it crime-free and fair.
Alderney Gambling Control Commission chief executive Andre Wilsenach made a
presentation - on behalf of the International Association of Gambling
Regulators - on the Alderney situation. Deputy Torode said it was important
for him to attend and hear first-hand that Alderney was considered to be in
the top tier of regulation. 'Following the recent concerns regarding the
stance taken by the USA on remote gambling, I was, understandably, concerned
for the Bailiwick's reputation as a well-regulated financial services
centre,' he said. 'I am now reassured that it is highly unlikely that any
such harm will be caused as the regulatory regime operated by the Alderney
Commission is clearly based on the financial services principles of know
your customer.'
In her opening address, Ms Jowell outlined the Government's stance, which
was to support such activities so long as they were properly regulated. She
said activities should be conducted responsibly to offer fairness to the
consumer and with necessary safeguards to protect children and other
vulnerable people.
Generally accepted international standards should be adhered to so as to
prevent fraud, money laundering and other crime and so online gambling is
not permitted to become a source of crime. Mr Wilsenach's presentation
outlined the rigorous approach to regulation advocated by IAGR members and
showed that much of the industry's best practice had been developed by the
Alderney GCC.  Following his talk, Mr Caborn stated that the government
viewed Alderney as a highly reputable remote-gambling jurisdiction and  had
no criticism of the activities conducted by operators licensed by the
island. In the afternoon session, delegates considered issues affecting the
industry, including social responsibility, age and identity verification and
data collection and research into remote and problem gambling.