The boss of KPMG in the island has spoken of the need for businesses involved in online gambling to be always ready to keep up with new technology.

Russell Kelly, managing director of KPMG Isle of Man, said: ’It’s clear that while regulation and customer protection continue to be overriding themes, businesses in the e-gaming space must also be ready to capitalise on new technologies, new approaches to customers and new markets to ensure they are not left behind.’

Mr Kelly was speaking as KPMG published a report of its summit at the Comis Hotel and Resort, Mount Murray.

Themed around Raising Standards Together, the Summit attracted 250 delegates to listen to key industry figures who shared current thinking on operational best practice, as well as providing insight into leading-edge developments and market evolution.

Mr Kelly added: ’The KPMG eSummit report provides a fantastic opportunity to catch up on all the discussion for anyone who wasn’t able to attend on the day, as well as a useful aide memoire to those who were able to be there in person.

’We were fortunate to have an excellent mix of extremely talented and knowledgeable speakers who were all candid about the issues facing the industry, and where they saw opportunities and challenges in the future.

’I am sure it (the report)will be a useful reference document for anyone involved in the industry, and particularly for those who are planning how their businesses can adapt in the coming years.’

The report, which can be downloaded for free from the KPMG Isle of Man website, includes detailed transcripts of all the sessions which range from regulatory updates and the role of new technology to establishing a customer-centric focus and the opportunities for M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and future expansion of markets.

Michael Tobin, chief executive and co-founder of report sponsor Continent 8 Technologies, said: ’It’s rare to get such a variety of influential industry movers and shakers together in one place, tackling so many different issues directly relevant to those operating in the e-gaming industry.’

Presenters included Chris Rogers of the UK Gambling Commission, Lydia Barbara, chairman of the Isle of Man’s new digital agency and Gillian Wilmot of the Senet Group.

Also there was Marc Etches of GambleAware, legal representatives from Joelson, Harris Hagan, Wiggin and CMS Law, input from Regulus Partners and KPMG advisors.

There were also a number of chief executives and senior management figures from businesses such as The Stars Group, Microgaming, Playtech, Mayfly Entertainment and Annexio.

KPMG representatives, including managing director Russell Kelly, centre, with visiting speakers, pictured during the summit at the Comis Hotel