A survey conducted by the Manx e-Gaming Association has indicated that the Isle of Man’s online gaming sector grew by almost 15 per cent in 2012 and is forecast to grow another 10 per cent in 2013.
Since 2006, the number of people employed in the sector has increased fourfold to 775 (2012) while the tax contribution (payroll taxes, National Insurance and duty paid only) has risen from £3m to £16.4m.
Meanwhile, in the last 18 months, the number of licensees has increased from 39 to 55. Peter Greenhill, head of e-gaming development, said: “The results demonstrate the continued contribution the sector has made to the island’s economy, not just in terms of taxation paid to the government but also in terms of job creation, particularly given the difficult economic climate over the last few years.
“The growth in the i-gaming sector has also acted as a catalyst for companies with similar requirements, such as ICT and e-businesses, to consider locating on the Isle of Man.
“Attracting these companies will not only provide support to the existing licence-holder base but also further diversify the portfolio of businesses that make up the Isle of Man’s cluster of i-gaming businesses and help the sector to continue growing,” added Greenhill.
