17 January 2025: New Chief Executive Officer of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission appointed

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has today confirmed the appointment of Mark Rutherford as Chief Executive Officer of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC).

His role is to oversee and maintain the Isle of Man’s regulatory standards for Gambling and Medicinal Cannabis and ensure the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the Island's regulatory framework, safeguarding both the reputation of the sector and the protection of consumers.

Having worked within the Isle of Man GSC for 15 years, Mr Rutherford’s experience spans multiple roles within the Island’s public service, including having served in the Income Tax Division before joining the GSC as the Director of Policy and Legislation.

Acting chair of the GSC, David Butterworth commented:

‘I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark as Chief Executive of the GSC. His transition into this role comes at a crucial time, ensuring we uphold the highest standards of transparency and protection while adapting to the sector’s evolving challenges.

‘With his extensive experience and clear vision for improvement, Mark is a valuable asset who is committed to strengthening our regulatory approach to meet the Island’s needs and those of the sectors it represents well into the future.’

Mr Rutherford said:

‘I am grateful to the GSC Board for their confidence in me as CEO. I have lived and worked in the Isle of Man in both private and public sectors and my role as a public servant has been dedicated to serving the Isle of Man. I am committed to ensuring the effective, transparent and secure regulation of gambling and the production of medicinal cannabis here in the Island.

‘There is an important opportunity to strengthen the Isle of Man’s defences against financial crime and I am embarking on an ambitious programme of reform to reinforce the powers we have to supervise and regulate the gambling sector. I am also working closely with partner agencies to understand the emerging threat that faces the Island’s gambling sector.’

‘It is imperative that we continue to review and adapt our approach to stay aligned with evolving challenges, including the emerging risks and typologies arising from particular markets. I shall be examining those threats closely to ensure that we are alert to them and manage the risk.’

‘I will also be further expanding our international cooperation and domestic inter-agency working and the GSC will continue to play its part in the network of authorities that detect and disrupt criminal activity in the Island. It is vital that we maintain alignment with the international standards’ requirements for combatting financial crime as they continue to be evolve.’

‘Over the last 25 years the Island has built a global reputation as a high-quality regulatory regime for eGaming and we have seen the sector grow and diversify. I am keen that we support responsible growth in this important sector by licensing quality operators who share our values of safety and fairness.’

Digital Isle of Man welcomes appointment of new Chief Executive of the GSC

The appointment of Mark Rutherford as Chief Executive Officer of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has been welcomed by Department for Enterprise Executive Agency, Digital Isle of Man.

Lyle Wraxall, Chief Executive Officer at Digital Isle of Man, said:

‘I would like to extend a warm welcome to Mark as the new Chief Executive of the GSC.

‘The Isle of Man’s eGaming sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past 25 years, becoming home to a thriving, skilled community. A key driver of this success is the global reputation the GSC has built, positioning the Island as a leading jurisdiction for credible gambling licensing and protection.

‘Mark’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment. Effective and robust regulation is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our digital economy and ensuring the Island remains competitive in the global market. Under his leadership, we are confident the GSC will further enhance the Island’s reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking jurisdiction for eGaming and related industries.

‘As we move forward, the future regulation of the Island’s gambling sector will form a core part of Digital Isle of Man’s eGaming Strategy, currently in development. The Strategy will mark the start of a renewed effort to drive growth, adapt to market changes, and strengthen the Island’s reputation as a destination for high-quality eGaming businesses. By refining our approach and addressing key challenges, we aim to boost confidence in the sector and ensure its ongoing contribution to the economy.’

ENDS