The Isle of Man Government has today announced that Mandalay Gaming Holdings has launched its new bingo platform and XBingo site having received a gaming licence from the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC). The licence - which allows the company to operate in the Isle of Man - was granted 12 weeks after the application was filed. The new platform will target the international online bingo market, and XBingo is the first of many brands which Mandalay hopes to launch on it. XBingo will run alongside the Group’s existing successful UK-facing Costa Bingo, Sing Bingo, City Bingo and Fancy Bingo brands. The Mandalay platform has been launched after rigorous testing from users which were recruited via Facebook and has been built specifically to capitalise on the growth in use of social media. Commenting on the launch, Richard Skelhorn, co-founder of Mandalay Gaming Holdings, said: “The Isle of Man Government has provided excellent service and assistance throughout the whole process. Its knowledge and experience has proved invaluable to Mandalay in ensuring a smooth and efficient progression in preparing the company to go live. We are particularly proud of the development of our new platform, as it uses the latest cutting-edge software in order to appeal to a worldwide audience skilled in using social media.” Commenting on this latest development, Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, said, “I am delighted that Mandalay has chosen the Isle of Man to assist with its future growth. The Isle of Man has built up a world-leading e-Gaming sector and our agile and supportive regulation makes for an attractive proposition.” Alex Downie OBE MLC, Department of Economic Development member representing e-Gaming, Isle of Man Government commented: “At the heart of the Government’s Department for Economic Development is a commitment to championing new ideas, and ensuring that the Island’s business environment is as hospitable as possible to meet the needs of entrepreneurial companies like Mandalay. We look forward to playing our part in their future success.” -Ends-