The Department of Economic Development has released a consultation document which sets out proposals to create further economic diversification, by amending the Casino Act 1986 and the Gaming Betting and Lotteries Act 1988, to facilitate live gaming tournaments being held on the Island. Commenting on the proposals, Minister for Economic Development, John Shimmin MHK, said: ‘The Department has identified an opportunity to be able to attract live gaming tournaments to the Island with all of the associated economic benefits they will bring in terms of increased bed nights, spend in the local economy and increased passenger numbers on aircraft serving the Island. ‘At the present time the law restricts which venues can be used for such events. The proposed Casino (Amendment) Bill will give the Gambling Supervision Commission the powers to be able to grant temporary licences for these events at a wider range of possible venues.’ Copies of the consultation document can be downloaded from http://www.gov.im/ded/ or requested from the Department. Submissions regarding the proposals should be sent by post to Tim Craine, Director of the Business Development Agency at the Department of Economic Development, or alternatively email him at tim.craine@gov.im by Friday 3rd February 2012. ENDS