This November saw the Island hold its second annual eGaming Summit, hosted by leading advisory services firm KPMG. With over 180 delegates attending the event held at the Mount Murray hotel, the Summit saw many of the industry’s leading experts give a series of talks regarding current eGaming matters throughout the world. Russell Kelly, Director responsible for eGaming at KPMG, commented on the Summit: “It was great to see such high attendance for the second year running, with this year’s event having attracted even more specialists from providers, Government and suppliers to the sector. This event provides a unique opportunity for this crucial sector to come together and share their knowledge on the challenges facing it and the opportunities that are presenting themselves on an almost daily basis.” Opening the ceremony was The Honourable Allan Bell, Chief Minister. His welcome address highlighted the Island’s pivotal role within eGaming, and was followed by a procession of speakers discussing the safety of gameplay and taxation on the Isle of Man. The afternoon talks centred on key topics such as the UK’s planned move to tax gaming at the point of consumption rather than the point of supply, as well as mobile gaming; bringing to light the need for appropriate regulation. The event was brought to an end with a panel of speakers answering queries raised by the delegates, followed by a closing statement by Minister for the Department of Economic Development, The Honourable John Shimmin. Whilst KPMG are the hosts and organisers of this worthwhile event, there were plenty of other sponsors lending their support towards the Summit. Celton Manx provided the breakfast, the lunchtime catering was generously provided by online betting’s PaddyPower and evening drinks and canapes were sponsored by Conister Bank, who have recently developed a banking solution for the eGaming industry. PokerStars, Domicilium and Microgaming also supported the event and full details of what was discussed on the day will be published in a post-event report to be made available in early January 2012 with the support of leading hosting providers Continent 8 Technologies. The report will explain in further detail the development of the topics discussed as well as possible resolutions for the future. With KPMG hosting the eGaming Summit for the second year running, this marks another step towards an exciting future for the Isle of Man – with many businesses looking to move to the Island in the hope of establishing themselves as major providers within the industry. The success of the Summit has also helped create the Island’s very own ‘eClub’, which has held regular events as well as setting up online discussion groups since the inaugural Summit. Through regular networking, those within the eGaming sector can use these opportunities to exchange and develop ideas as a means of furthering their own expertise and knowledge. Micky Swindale, Associate Director at KPMG Isle of Man and event coordinator, commented on the Summit’s success: “The Summit was a great success, not only as an educational and networking tool for the delegates, but also as a way of raising the profile of this key industry. The Isle of Man has a huge part to play in the global eGaming industry and this sort of engagement between the key players is essential to the jurisdiction continuing to thrive.” Archie Watt, Head of eGaming and IT Advisory at KPMG, also commented: “A lot has changed in the twelve months since the last Summit, which highlights the pace of innovation and regulatory change in this complex but vibrant marketplace. The year ahead is likely to see even more changes, and I am proud to say that this event has helped to forewarn and equip the Manx eGaming community for the challenges this may present.” Archie continued: “I would like to thank all of the speakers and panellists for contributing to the event, but there are a couple of special mentions I would like to make. I would like to thank PokerStars particularly for their interesting contribution on fraud prevention, and Push Technologies for their live demonstration of mobile technologies and their fascinating presentation on their growing capabilities.” Further details may be available at www.kpmg.co.im -ENDS-