Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean

A LAST minute decision to delay changes to Jersey’s gambling laws could cost the Island dearly, according to the Economic Development Minister.

The proposed changes, which were approved in principle by the States on Wednesday, could have allowed internet gaming companies to set up shop in Jersey in exchange for thousands of pounds in licence fees.

However, as the Chamber moved to formally adopt the regulations Deputy Mike Higgins, who had been the only Member to abstain from the vote, said that his Scrutiny panel wanted to ‘take a quick look at it’.

The announcement followed statements from some Members, including Deputy Daniel Wimberley, that they had not read the proposition because of its obscure title which referred to ‘remote gambling disaster recovery’.

But Senator Maclean, who brought the proposal, has strongly criticised that decision, saying that operators were ‘queeuring up; to move their businesses to Jersey.