ISLE OF MAN - According to an economic minister of the Isle of Man, the business that the e-gaming industry brings to the tiny island nation is "massively important".
According to Allan Bell, Isle of Man Minister for Economic Development:
"The economic forecasts for 2010 show that the industry will support nearly 700 jobs and that makes it one of the biggest employing sectors on the island."
He further added that e-gaming pumps into the island nation's economy around US$ 233.43 million, making the sector an important player in the nation's continued resilience amidst the economic turmoil affecting Europe and the rest of the world.
"(A)t a time when the economy is slowing down, this investment is massively important not just to your own industry but to the island's economy as well.
Bell was speaking at the first e-gaming summit being held on the island.
The island nation, also called as Mann, is home to several gaming outfits including PokerStars, 188Bet, Microgaming, Celton Manx, SBOBet, and others. According to Bell, the Isle of Man has so far issued 22 live licenses and have recently approved eight more. Four applications for licenses have also been received and will be scheduled for review shortly.
Source: BBC
Date: December 1, 2010
