Founded in May 2000, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) is considered as one of the top casino regulatory entities in existence today, having worked with numerous big names in the online gambling industry. Situated in the English Channel near the French north coast, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission can be looked upon as the closest online casinos can get to receiving total international regulation. The AGCC consists of a chairman and three other members. It is a regulatory body that is apolitical and independent while regulating eGaming for the State of Alderney. It is a commission that makes sure its supervisory and regulatory approach is one that meets and exceeds standards demanded internationally.
What does the Alderney Gambling Control Commission do?
Since its establishment back in 2000, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission has become a significant boon to the economy of the island largest island of three. Online gaming companies are typically encouraged to move to the island, but they are however only able to operate with the explicit permission of the commission. The commission offers a licensing process which can seem a bit complex as it requires prospective licensees to adhere to extremely strict rules, BOTH before and after the licence has been granted. There are varying types of permits issued, all with different legal frameworks and costs. The fees are quite steep, requiring the biggest of companies to part away with almost £140,000 just for renewals. This large fee means that not all online casino operators can meet the rules and gain a license. For this Reason, Alderney has one of the most prestigious list of casinos under its jurisdiction. The licensees are a pretty exclusive club which is evident when one has a look at the names of companies that appear on it. For instance, a quick foray into the AGCC's website would show its licensee list to include household names like Paddy Power, William Hill, and Totesport just to name a few.
What Protection does the AGCC Offer Players?
Like most online gaming regulatory bodies, player protection is an integral part of what the Alderney Gambling Control Commission does. The commission sees player protect as one of its foremost priorities and makes sure everything is done to ensure there are not going to be any disputes between its licensees and their players. Moreover, it demands that online casinos have their funding to be frequently tested, so there are no reasons for issues to arise when players begin the withdrawal process. It also bars underage customers from accessing the online casinos operated by its licensees. As is the custom, it also means its licensees are prohibited from marketing to young underage customers. It also insists that its licensees have on their casinos an option for players to self-exclude.
When it comes to gameplay, the commission requires all its licensees to enable their players to choose their limits for losses, deposits, and most importantly maximum bets. All casino operators must enforce these limits under the watchful eye of the commission. Nevertheless, in the improbable event that an issue arises, the Alderney allows players to submit complaints directly to the commission. While this process might seem a bit more convoluted when compared to those of other licensing entities, the commission guarantees its formal proceedings to be fair and strict, giving a chance for the players with a genuine issue to have their grievances heard. The AGC has consistently tweaked and modernised its regulations over the years to reflect the changing times and compete with other gaming hotspots.
There are just two eGaming Licences awarded at the time of writing-
Category 1 is the category that encompasses fund management and customer interaction when there is an uninterrupted contractual association.
Category 2 deals with transactions incurred during online gaming and also gaming platform management. Depending on what they need, companies can choose to apply for any of the categories or even both.
How Does Alderney rate Compared to Other Regulatory Authorities?
We give the Alderney Gambling Control Commission an 8/10
The Alderney Gambling Control Commission has advanced cautiously over the years to ensure that its strict regulations remain just that with no loopholes instead of focusing solely on attracting as much business and new money as possible. The commission has also spearheaded a cooperative arrangement with numerous worldwide partners. To date, it has agreements with other gaming boards around the world such, as the Nevada Gaming Board, the Danish Gaming Authority, and also the regulatory bodies in Ontario, Canada to focus on issues such as a solution to data storage, investigations requiring due diligence, and probity matters.
Can a Casino License by this Authority be Trusted?
Overall, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission should be considered as one of the more reputable entities in the online gaming industry. For the best part, this is because it has been set up to focus on a particular sector and has chosen to shine in it, which diverges from what numerous other licensing bodies do. Players can be sure that the casinos registered and licensed by this body have been tested stringently and are above board, as only the elite of online casino operators are able to meet the strict regulations and costs of becoming an Alderney licensed casino.