Alderney Gambling Control’s income rose by £750k in 2023

Registration of nine new licences and certificates over the course of the year was hailed as ‘an outstanding achievement’ in the commission’s annual report, including the first licensees from pari-mutuel horse-racing betting, a system where all bets placed on a race are pooled and the losers’ stakes effectively pay the winners, which is said to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence use in the betting sector.

As a result, licence income rose to £4.38m. and though the commission recruited more staff, taking it up to 16, it paid £200,000 less in staff costs than the year before.

It returned a dividend of £2.35m. to the States of Alderney, up £600,000 on the year, and has now paid more than £40m. to the public purse in the island since the commission was established in 2000.

‘The recovery of the gambling industry brought fresh opportunities in 2023, where notably Brazil introduced national gambling regulation for the first time, with other neighbours set to follow suit,’ said AGCC chairman Lord Faulkner.

‘We will continue to ensure the provision of platforms and services from an Alderney base can complement these new domestic licensing regimes.’

The report also outlined how it supported Guernsey’s preparations for the Moneyval inspection.

‘We believe that we can show a well-resourced supervisory approach of the highest quality, one that is tailored to risk.’

Lord Faulkner, who has been confirmed for another term of office by the States of Alderney, said that the commission’s key objective was to offer ‘robust, enlightened, active regulation’ that was responsive to a changing industry.

‘In this way, the commission aims to protect players, to ensure the continuing high reputation of Alderney as a jurisdiction and to establish a regulatory environment which attracts operators who seek a comprehensive, pragmatic and well-respected regime supportive of operator needs.’

The commission regularly liaises with other local and international regulators and has acted as an adviser to regulators and law-makers in other jurisdictions.

‘Alderney has proven experience in establishing and maintaining a robust, business-friendly online gaming jurisdiction, and plays an active role in international regulatory bodies,’ Lord Faulkner added.

Alderney eGambling, the promotion arm of the industry, reversed a small shortfall in 2022’s annual figures to a surplus of about £10,000 over the year. It spent £25,000 on attending international conferences, nearly £7,000 in travel and accommodation, but just £2,000 on advertising during the year.