The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), in a significant regulatory development, has introduced the Permitted Disclosures Order 2025, aimed at bolstering its ability to share sensitive information with key public and supervisory entities across the island. The new order significantly broadens the scope of who can receive restricted information from the GSC.
What is going to change?
As per the new order, public authorities, government departments, statutory boards, and even the Attorney General’s office are now explicitly empowered to receive necessary information from the GSC to fulfill their regulatory or legal duties. The latest development builds on GSC’s existing provisions of the commission long holding the authority to disclose restricted information—but only under very particular circumstances. Historically, such disclosures were limited to ensure strict confidentiality.
However, the rise of online gambling, digital currencies, and cross-border betting platforms have warranted the move. With better information flow as GSC enhances its ability to share sensitive information with other Isle of Man public authorities, the move is a calculated approach to combating Money Laundering, the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (ML/TF/PF). The regulatory enhancement comes shortly after GSC’s public update earlier this month that clarified the scope and boundaries of its regulatory duties. The announcement reaffirmed the commission’s jurisdiction over gambling activities, that it regulates gambling originating from or facilitated via Isle of Man infrastructure—but not offshore gambling that locals may access.
Study reveals dark side of online gambling
Recently, a new report by the Isle of Man Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) outlined typologies, red flags, and actionable insights associated with the misuse of online gambling platforms for money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF). The report aligned with international standards, particularly those set out in FATF Recommendation 29.
The aim of the report is to help industry stakeholders detect and mitigate financial risks associated with online gambling platforms. It stresses the need for continuous monitoring and due diligence required to tackle the misuse of such platforms. This is especially important when dealing with clients or transactions involving high-risk jurisdictions.
Other regulatory updates and appointments
In a recent crackdown by the commission, Seow Gim Shen, director of the Isle of Man-based gaming software firm Metagrow Solutions Limited, was banned from holding any role in the island’s gambling sector. , the GSC announced that it found Seow to “lack integrity” and ruled he is not a fit and proper person to be involved in any key position within an online gaming company.
In another update, the GSC announced the appointment of Nicola Libreri as its new Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Libreri, who joined the GSC in 2018, has most recently overseen the organisation’s newly formed AML/CFT Division. This team is responsible for inspections, enforcement, policy, and outreach.
