An international online gaming operator is planning to create 20 new jobs as it opens an office in the island.

The Gamesys Group is a FTSE 250 operator of online casino and bingo-led brands including jackpotjoy and Virgin Games, with more than 1,500 employees around the world.

The Piccadilly Circus, London, registered group said the new roles will cover privacy and responsible gaming, through to marketing and customer service.

Lee Fenton, chief executive, said: ’Our decision to open an office on the Isle of Man is an important milestone in our growth story.’

He added: ’The Isle of Man is a world-class location for gaming operations, as it offers a long-established and stable regulatory environment, as well as an infrastructure that supports the online gaming industry. We are excited to build a team of local talent and have them join us in our purpose to craft entertainment with care.’

Enterprise minister Laurence Skelly MHK, said: ’This is great news for both Gamesys and the island, with some incredible opportunities for our skilled workforce; it is truly a testament to our island’s safe and stable regulatory environment and world-renowned reputation as a hub for the e-gaming industry.

’We welcome Gamesys to the island and it is heartening to see major companies who are keen to embrace the Isle of Man’s working culture - keeping a balance between work and home at the forefront of their values.’

Steve Brennan, chief executive of the island’s Gambling Supervision Commission, told the Examiner in August that there had been a surge in interest from e-gaming companies looking to come here. A new type of licence for organisations that sell gambling software to the sector came into operation in February 2019.

The news comes after Celton Manx announced it was recruiting 26 people to work in its live dealer casino which launched last month.