‘E-gaming growth puts our reputation at risk’
Thursday 1st October 2009, 2:29PM BST.
GUERNSEY’S reputation is at risk because of gambling companies, two deputies have warned.
The UK’s largest interactive gaming company, Netplay TV, is spending £500,000 setting up studios in the island to take advantage of tax savings.
It is just the latest gambling company to be attracted to Guernsey.
But Deputy Barry Brehaut said that by creating the studios, the business was going to attract the wrong sort of attention.
‘On one level we are a blue-riband financial centre, but on the flip side we are accepting e-gambling,’ he said.
‘Guernsey is under enormous scrutiny right now, so it is risky for the island to digress from what it knows well – finance.’
Deputy Graham Guille (pictured) said it could be only a matter of time before Guernsey had a problem.
‘The finance industry is based on knowing your customer and we do not know our customer, the gaming companies,’ he said.
He welcomed the jobs and money coming to the island, but still had concerns.
‘If something goes wrong, mud sticks,’ he said. ‘I have no problem with the new company in particular, but with every new company, the risk of something going wrong grows.’
Netplay TV CEO Martin Higginson said the business was good for the island.
‘With financial services going into a downturn, anything that brings money into the local economy is good for the island,’ he said. ‘We have been using locals as much as possible, including architects, builders and electricians.’
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This just shows the continued backwards thinking of many of our states members. People who on the one hand say that we should rely less on the finance industry, but then when presented with an new alternative come across with a NIMBY attitude.
This island’s reputation does not rest on the e-gambling industry it currently rests with the finance sector which is far from being a guiding light at the moment.
Deputy Guille is entitled to his opinion but it is far from being an informed one.
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Totally agree with gsybloke. Unfortunately our Deputies Guille and Brehaut, have not really completed their research. The Gaming Industry is robustly regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control Committee (AGCC) framework and is the envy of the many other jurisdictions. Whilst the weakened economy is biting, we should not be turning our heads away from another opportunity of a leading global industry.
It is a primary form of eCommerce and on-line money transactions – not too dissimilar from the banking process. Reality is, you may just get a greater return on your investemnt in this business!
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Gambling,one of the evils of our time.How much heartbreak,how much misery,how many broken families caused by gambling.But of course,if it brings in revenue,then why not?I take it we all know WHO gets rich out of gamling?
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‘Gambling, one of the evils of our time’. The banks do it all the time and when they lose they are given handouts. Now that’s what I call evil.
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I agree with gsybloke that the industry is well regulated here however gambling does have a seedy reputation. For that reason alone I can understand why some Deputies have concerns even if they haven’t quite got the facts straight.
On a more personal level, I know from experience the dangers of gambling. Although for the majority of people it is a bit of fun, like Donald Remfrey says it has caused misery for many people with that number increasing due to the easy accessibility of e-gaming – not to mention the aggressive marketing techniques used by the gaming companies.
In my opinion it is important that gambling companies acknowledge the dangerous nature of their commodity and contribute to the care of people who get themselves in a mess. Yes people are responsible for their actions however that doesn’t mean they should be left to rot. For that reason, as gambling is unfortunately not going to go away, I would rather the companies are run out of highly regulated jurisdictions than tin pot countries who’ll leave them to their own devices. It seems to be the lesser of two evils.
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Mr Remfrey, no one makes a person gamble. It’s personal choice.
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Gambling does not turn everyone into an addict, Donald Remfrey. The same as alcohol, drugs, internet, Tv etc. You sound like a preacher.
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Hi Dean – in Donald Remfrey’s defence he doesn’t actually say that everyone who gambles turns into an addict. Nevertheless, gambling is highly addictive, especially to certain people with particular characteristics – I know that from personal experience. I used to be addicted to gambling and the “rush” of compulsive gaming is similar to the high of drugs, or even an orgasm. I know that sounds pretty wierd but unless you’ve been there it’s difficult to explain.
Incidentally, you say Mr Remfrey sounds like a preacher – I think you’ve been listening to the wrong preachers mate! I have regularly attended a local church for over 5 years (and even preach myself now and then) and I’ve never heard that particular message. Yes, warnings about the dangers of excessive gambling, drinking, TV, Internet etc are given but the message isn’t just the one-dimensional “this is evil” – perhaps you should wander down and hear for yourself? :)
As an final thought – the day I was converted to Christianity my gambling addiction instantly stopped. I don’t gamble any more or have the desire to – neither do I fear ever going back; I don’t get the shakes when I walk past a bookies or see an advert for a gaming site, neither do I get fearful when I talk about my past experiences. I’ve been inside bookies offices since and openly discuss my experiences with those who want encouragement that there is hope. I am not a “recovering addict” – I am completely free from it. I choose not to gamble now out of free choice.
Make of that what you will – as far as I’m concerned it was the power of God, as before that date I was incapable of stopping and believe you me, I tried many times!
I do not blame gambling companies or society for my previous problems – I realise now that they were of my own making. Nevertheless, I was incapable of saving myself which is why, although their problems are often self-made, I have compassion on people who struggle with gambling (or any) addiction; neither do I judge them or consider them lesser people than I – it is not simply a matter of choosing to stop. The Christian message is that God gives us the power to resist the dangers of excess; rather than just blaming others for their problems. It teaches us to be wise. It’s a message of liberty, not repression!
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the reporting around which of these reflect badly on Guernsey?
1. the shennanigans with the firefighter/airport strike?
2. the increasingly empty town centre
3. the handling of landsbanki?
4. “legal highs capital”
5. the next story – “domestic abuse up a fifth and rape allegations double”
or
6. that netplay and sportingbet chose to setup here
Deputies Brehaut and Guille are obviously entirely out of touch so it’s worth explaining for their sake: #6 is a positive story for Guernsey’s reputation.
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Paul Le P
It doesn’t surprise me that you are a recovering addict. You seem to have some sort of experience/opinion about everything else printed in the Press. Well done on your recovery.
I appreciate Mr Remfrey didn’t ‘say that everyone who gambles turns into an addict’, I was simply making them point that we shouldn’t ban everything just because of it’s bad points. Also in a weird way has gambling not had a good effect on your life, in the long term, having found God and all?
You are right though, I probably have been listening to the wrong preachers, mainly the crazy ones you find in city centres.
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I stand by what I say reference gambling.I have personally experienced the hardship and suffering that CAN come from gambling.I have on two occasions in my service and working life had to see that a mans wages were partly paid to his wife and children,who would have starved otherwise,or become a problem for the authorities,which means the taxpayer.A little flutter on the pools MAY be harmless,bingo likewise,but other forms of gambling become addictive in many cases,and this in turn brings the hardship and heartbreak with it.And if anyone is naive enough to think that the gambling companies give a damn for these unfortunates—————–!!!!!And if I’m preaching then its the nearest I’ll ever get to a dogs collar!
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At least its some form of diversification.
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Donald, I still fail to see your point. Are you suggesting we don’t take on any gambling in Guernsey?
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Greg,
It wont make any difference what I suggest,big money is involved,and it will happen regardless.Gambling will never be stopped by any means,but the suffering for the weak and their families will continue!As I said above,a little flutter on the pools or bingo MAY be harmless,if only it would stop there!The first pull on the handle of a gaming machine is for many the start of their downfall.
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Too easy…
“Alcohol, one of the evils of our time. How much heartbreak, how much misery, how many broken families caused by Alcohol. But of course,if it brings in revenue, then why not?”
Feel free to re-quote that with some other evil of society ;)
The e-gaming industry in Guernsey (as regulated by the Alderney Gambling Commission) is well respected around the world with many companies looking to set up here (as many already have).
With good regulation and a revenue stream for the island that isn’t tied in to the Banking industry (the regulation of which hasn’t seen stellar publicity of late) I’m only mildly surprised that our local governance haven’t a clue.
Fair play to Alderney for being so forward thinking and getting Guernsey a foothold into this industry by their pioneering work…
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Hi darlings!
I have to say that as Mr P. and I whizz around Europe in the Merc sports we often get asked where we are from due to the number plate.
Upon hearing the answer ‘Guernsey’ most people we have met tend to briefly involve us in (usually) good natured banter about Channel Islanders all being a bunch of filthy money launderers for drug cartels and the Russian mafia.
No one has ever mentioned ‘online gambling,’ not even in a whisper.
Wish they would, it’s a bit more reputable!
XX for now darlings – the bar is calling.
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I’m with Mrs PintheP – bring it on, I say!
I was at a champagne reception in the Southern counties just the other day, and was quite relieved when the huntin’ shootin’ and fishin’ fraternity asked when we were planning to legalise prostitution and grade A drugs over here in good ol Guernsey….
for one horrible moment I thought they were going to quiz me about our offshore tax haven status that is assisting in the general ruination of the world’s economy and the perpetuation of poverty in the 3rd world…
now that WOULD have been embarrassing..!!
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I wonder if the Dep’s against gambling have bought a ticket for the Maison Millions? Or if they have in fact ever bought a lotter scratchcard, a raffle ticket, tombola? It is all gambling, you pay your money, you take your chance! I know some real hard nosed christian types who wont buy raffle tickets because they think its gambling. Out of interest paul le p, where do you stand there? Good for you btw.
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Auntie GP – I don’t see a problem with raffle tickets personally. One of the major dangers with gambling arises when it’s fuelled by greed and/or an uncontrolled competitiveness that won’t accept defeat – causing loss chasing. One can’t really say that excessive greed motivates someone to buy a raffle ticket or join the office sweepstake!!
Dean – you’re spot on with one of your points -good did come of it. I don’t live in regret as it was one of the things God used to get my attention. I suppose it would have been nice to have a less painful way but that’s what happens when you stubbornly refuse to listen time and time again! ;-)
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