The latest redundancies at Flutter International should not be viewed as a reflection of the Isle of Man’s wider gambling sector, according to the head of an island-based eGaming consultancy.

Lee Hills, chief executive of Douglas-based SolutionsHub, which advises eGaming and fintech businesses on licensing, regulatory compliance and operations, said the priority must be helping those affected by the cuts to find new jobs.

Flutter International, which includes PokerStars, has announced job cuts affecting its Isle of Man operations, with around 30 PokerStars jobs on the island expected to go.

Mr Hills said the news would be difficult for employees and their families, adding that helping them find their next opportunity should be the immediate focus.

However, he believes the latest redundancies are part of a longer-term trend following the acquisition of PokerStars by Amaya and its subsequent integration into Flutter.

‘My impression has been of a gradual reduction in the island’s role within the wider business and this is only the latest round of restructuring and redundancies,’ he said.

‘UK tax increases may have added additional pressure, but I do not believe it is the explanation.

‘There is also a broader question about how the priorities of a business change as it becomes part of a much larger international group with new channels and markets.

‘We control our own business environment, but we cannot control how a global group chooses to organise its operations.

‘Flutter’s direction should not be taken as a verdict on the island’s wider gambling sector, as the stage seems to have been set a number of years in advance.’

He stressed that the decisions of an international business should be distinguished from the prospects of gambling operators based on the Isle of Man.

Mr Hills said the island still had a strong pool of eGaming expertise, despite the challenges posed by the latest redundancies.

He said many local businesses were struggling to recruit from a limited pool of available talent and suggested those affected by the cuts could bring valuable experience to other island companies.

‘Flutter has some exceptionally skilled and experienced people on the island,’ he added.

‘While it does not lessen the uncertainty that redundancy brings, there are businesses here that would greatly value their expertise.’

Mr Hills said he hoped demand for experienced workers would help those affected find suitable new roles quickly, allowing their skills to remain on the island.

With PokerStars based in Onchan, local MHK Rob Callister said the potential loss of 30 jobs was ‘clearly concerning’, particularly for employees and their families facing a ‘period of considerable uncertainty’.

‘PokerStars has had a significant presence in Onchan for many years, and as a constituency MHK my priority is ensuring that those affected are properly supported,’ he commented.

‘I hope the consultation process is handled sensitively and that every possible avenue is explored to minimise job losses and retain skilled employment here on the island.’