A former eGaming ambassador for the Isle of Man and a gambling industry expert have welcomed a ruling by top judges in the United States which could spell good news for the island.

The US Supreme Court has overturned a long-standingban on sports betting.

Warwick Bartlett is chief executive and owner of the Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, [GBGC] based in Malew Street, Castletown.

He told the Manx Independent: ’The Supreme Court ruling is a breath of fresh air for an industry that has been battered by regulation and increasing costs.’

And gaming entrepreneur and racehorse owner Vincent Caldwell, who is based in Onchan, called the news ’tremendous.’ He said: ’Sometimes the brave do get rewarded. I took a huge gamble two years ago to build products and apply for a license in the USA marketplace.’

Mr Bartlett of GBGC said: ’What makes this ruling special is that it is unambiguous, states in the US can now licence sports betting operators if they wish to.

’So far 24 states with a combined population of 186 million have expressed an interest.

’New Jersey hopes to be up and running in a few months.

’I suspect most states will adopt a wait and see approach. They will want to see if sports betting takes money from the lotteries, they will listen to fears of competition from big casino operators.

’They will want to see how much tax revenue sports betting raises and the effect on addictive play.

’So far as the Isle of Man is concerned we have two operators GVC and Stars Group (Poker Stars) that are headquartered here.

’GVC has three state licenses in the USA already, plus an agreement to supply technology to the MGM casino in New Jersey.

’Stars Group, since the acquisition of Skybet, is now one of the largest operators by market cap. They are already licensed in New Jersey, and have a huge data base of gamblers in the USA.

’Of all the companies vying for the opportunity to do business in the USA I would rate their chances as the best to succeed.’

Mr Bartlett added: ’A further opportunity for the Isle of Man will be if individual states allow internet casino with sports betting. This is because of the software providers, Microgaming and Playtech, that are both resident here [in the Isle of Man].’

Mr Bartlett explained the Supreme Court decision was ’significant, and we expect companies in Europe, who have the online expertise, to partner with operators in the USA who already have a data base of customers.’

Mr Caldwell, who was once appointed by Manx Telecom as eGaming ambassador for the island, has been working for the last two and a half years on a new entrepreneurial business project.

The venture, which he says is a global first, involves developing a virtual racing software that creates races in real time from real-life American dog and horse tracks.

Deals have already been signed with a number of premier USA racetracks.

He has established a Manx registered company called Virtual Software Limited as part of the project and has finalised a joint venture partnership with Amtote the world’s largest Tote wagering company.

Commentators are saying the Supreme Court decision could trigger a gold rush by bookmakers from the British Isles in a new multi-billion dollar market.

Mr Caldwell said he is already ahead of the game in terms of his strong contacts with and development of his business venture in the US.

A number of Manx investors have already taken a stake and Vincent has been in talks with other island residents.