Alderney Gaming Commision

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As the northernmost of the inhabited Channel Islands, Alderney doesn’t strike most as a likely gambling hub. However, this British Crown dependency with just over 2,000 inhabitants has been part of the iGaming industry for over two decades.

The island is home to Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC), established in 2000. With its strict rules and regulations, this legislator prioritises safety and security over fast growth.

Today, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating some of the biggest names in the online gambling industry. However, don’t let the island’s small size trick you. Obtaining a valid gambling licence from the AGCC isn’t simple nor cheap. Applicants go through an extensive review process, and only those financially stable with a stellar record get the seal of approval.

To learn more about the legislator’s history and the governing laws regarding online gambling, read the following article. 

In 1999, Alderney introduced the Gambling Law, which allowed other ordinances to legalise and regulate gambling, both land-based and remote. The introduction of this law led to the formation of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, which was founded in May 2000 as a non-political and independent body.

Although the UK Gambling Act of 2005 declared that all countries that are not part of the European Economic Area and are located outside the UK or Gibraltar were forbidden from advertising their gambling services in the UK, Alderney was exempt.

As part of the UK Gambling Commission allowlist, Alderney could still issue licences to online gambling operators, allowing them to offer services to players located within the UK. This put the Alderney Gambling Control Commission at a great advantage, considering that almost half its licensees operate solely in the UK.

Despite the island’s small size, the AGCC regulates over 2,000 sites owned by 350 reputable gambling companies. Additionally, many online casinos, sportsbooks, and live casinos launch their products out of Alderney.

Operators choose Alderney as a base and legislator because the AGCC lacks corporate tax, gaming duty, and value-added tax. What’s more, Alderney has a stable currency, fast connections that reach the UK and the rest of Europe, while the fact that Alderney is white-listed by the Gambling Commission of Great Britain adds to its value.

Today, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is among the most respected ones. New operators choose this legislator for its benefits and the capability to ensure player protection and generate a fair gambling environment.

It may not look like it, but online gambling is a legalised and regulated market in Alderney. Although the Gambling Law from 1999 authorised regulation of gambling through future ordinances, the lawfulness of online gambling was established two years later, in 2001, via:

Although these went through a couple of amendments, the island now allows eGambling to participants older than 18.

As mentioned, the tale of regulated land-based and online gambling markets started with the Gambling Law in 1999. Essentially, it allowed for gambling to be regulated by later ordinances.

The Gambling Law deems all gambling unlawful unless otherwise stated in additional legislation. As far as land-based gambling is concerned, the market is regulated by two pieces of legislation:

Until 2014, Alderney had one brick-and-mortar bookmaker, who has since retired.

Initially, Alderney planned to regulate phone betting. However, in 2001, the AGCC decided to move it into online gambling, commonly referred to as eGambling. Two ordinances further regulated the online market — the Gambling (Interactive Gaming) Ordinance of 2001 and the Alderney eGambling Ordinance of 2006.

Alderney offers three types of gambling licences:

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission is the governing body whose job is to ensure and maintain the integrity of the eGambling market in Alderney. Some of its goals include protecting and enhancing Alderney’s image and reputation.

In addition to licensing and regulating the eGambling market, the AGCC also must ensure that:

As far as operational responsibilities are concerned,  the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is divided into two categories:

All operators with an Alderney gambling licence must provide support for anyone who might be a problem gambler. Most licensees cooperate with organisations like GamCare and Gambling Therapy that offer help and support.

Additionally, players have access to In-dependence (www.independence.gg), a local charity organisation that supports those affected by alcohol, drugs, or gambling. This platform aims to minimise the effect of these problems through education, counselling, and prevention.