The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has published an overview of its regulatory achievements in 2025 alongside its strategic priorities for 2026, highlighting a continued focus on financial crime prevention, proportionate supervision and international cooperation.
During 2025, GSC continued to pursue its core objectives of ensuring gambling is conducted fairly, protecting children and vulnerable persons, and preventing gambling from being linked to crime.
Regulatory activity centred on accountability and risk-based supervision, with greater attention directed towards operators presenting higher risks or failing to address identified weaknesses. Operators demonstrating strong governance and effective controls were subject to a more proportionate regulatory approach.
A key development over the past year was increased investment in data and technology, improving the quality and usability of regulatory intelligence. According to the GSC, this has strengthened its ability to identify emerging risks, conduct thematic reviews and respond more effectively to sophisticated money laundering typologies linked to organised crime.
The Commission also prioritised collaboration, strengthening partnerships with domestic agencies, international regulators and law enforcement.
New legislation, including the Gambling Supervision Disclosures Order 2025, has enhanced information-sharing capabilities, supported by expanded Memoranda of Understanding with overseas regulators.
Island-wide AML/CFT initiatives also continued to evolve in response to global threats. The Isle of Man Government invested further in enforcement capacity, including the Proactive International Money Laundering Investigation Team (PIMLIT), while work progressed on updating the National Risk Assessment (NRA), due for publication shortly.
Commenting on the year’s achievements, GSC CEO Mark Rutherford stated: "The Island's regulatory and law enforcement agencies are responding robustly to threats, and that is something we should all be proud of.
“By working together – government, regulators and industry – we can continue to protect the integrity of our Island and ensure it remains a safe, competitive and trusted jurisdiction.”
Looking ahead to 2026, the GSC plans to release a comprehensive all-sector National Risk Appetite Statement aligned with the NRA. Priorities include deeper international engagement, improved intelligence handling and continued efforts to balance robust financial crime controls with sustainable industry growth.
The Isle of Man Government established the Proactive International Money Laundering Investigation Team (PIMLIT), a dedicated unit within the Isle of Man Constabulary that focuses on complex, cross-border money laundering cases and works closely with international partners to disrupt organised crime
