Poker Sites
Regulation
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 The
Isle of Man (IOM) is a self-governing dependant territory located in the Irish Sea that is not part of the
United Kingdom (which is thirty miles away) although Queen Elizabeth is the Head of State and the population
of 75,000 are classified as British citizens. The Bee Gees remain the most famous personalities from the island.
The Isle of Man specifically encourages the location of online gambling businesses: "The Isle of Man
Government actively encourages the development of gambling and e-gaming business on the Isle of Man. It
remains committed to delivering a stable government and strong regulatory environment, supported by a wide
range of attractive Business Benefits." This friendliness is an extension of the island offering
incentives to high-tech companies and financial institutions. The tax rates for citizens are 10% and 18%,
while there is a 0% corporate tax.
Unlike some jurisdictions that welcome Internet gaming companies, the IOM has "first world" technological,
medical and telecommunications infrastructure. It also is not some Johnny-come-lately to gambling regulation. Its
Gambling Control Commission was established in 1962.
The desire to get to the forefront of Internet e-commerce regulation led to passage of the Online Gambling
Regulation Act 2001 which has core principals in place to ensure protection for the player, the operator
and the reputation of the jurisdiction: "to keep the gambling industry crime free; to protect the young
and vulnerable and to ensure that the facilities offered by license holders are fair and that players receive
their true winnings... A well regulated gaming industry serves the best interests of all involved."
The Commission requires independent testing of software to ensure games offered are not rigged and will
make accurate payment of player winnings. Games may only be offered by licensed, corporate operators. All
operators must also establish bond arrangements to guarantee players will be paid in the event the
licensee ceased operations for any reason.
In addition to PokerStars and online betting sites like the Paddy Power bookmaker, the Isle of Man is home
to Neteller, the leading online
poker (and online gambling) payment processing company.
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