Alderney licence numbers rebound in 2020

Of these 50 operators, 35 were full licensees, while 14 held associate certificates to operate.

The number of licensees bounced back from 46 in 2019, but remained lower than the 53 that were active in 2018.

The regulator issued six new licences, the same number issued in 2019, while no applications were refused and no licences revoked.

“At the Alderney Gambling Control Commission we redoubled our efforts to maintain an environment of continuity and stability for eGambling operators as they navigate in an industry facing numerous challenges,” the Commission’s chair, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, said.

“It is pleasing to note that not only has this strategy benefited our existing operators but it is also proving attractive to other high-quality large global operators that during 2020 found a new home in our jurisdiction.”

Inspections conducted by the Commission drastically declined, from 33 to 13. Similarly, the number of sanctions issued dropped from 86 in 2019 to 27 in 2020.

TheAlderney Gambling Control Commission received 16 player complaints, down from 23 in 2019, with none of these complaints progressing to the need for a hearing.

The regulator made a total of £4.0m in revenue during 2020, down 14.6% from 2019. Of this total, £3.4m came from licence fees, also down 14.6%, while £513,000 was in fees charged to clients.

The Commission’s expenses totalled £2.3m, an 11.5% reduction. The majority of these costs, £1.6m, were staff costs, with administrative expenses and web hosting fees also contributing.

This meant the Commission’s total comprehensive income was £1.6m, down 16.0%