Russell Bedford member firm launches SMP eGaming

June 2016

Russell Bedford member firm SMP Partners, Isle of Man, has announced the launch of SMP eGaming, a specialist consultancy practice.

After six years as a major player in the industry, and a dominant force behind the growth of the Isle of Man's gaming sector, the SMP Group has decided the time is right to create a dedicated eGaming consulting company.

SMP eGaming provides objective and unbiased advisory services, multi-jurisdictional licensing, regulatory compliance and operational support to established and early stage eGaming operators and software providers. With those operating on the periphery of this dynamic and fast-moving international sector also benefiting from these services.

The new consultancy will help clients establish international operations that maximise global market opportunities through the design of an effective licensing strategy and ensure they remain compliant through the on-going provision of a suite of operational and regulatory consulting and outsourced services.

SMP Group Director David Hudson said: 'SMP Partners has an eGaming team numbering more than 30 professionals and a service offering which continues to develop and adapt to the rapidly changing worldwide gaming market.'

He added: 'There are major changes taking place in the international gaming market and it is essential for our clients that we provide eGaming services and consultancy without borders.'

Following the launch of SMP eGaming, SMP Partners has announced a number of new appointments.

Jade Allcock has been appointed as Manager of eGaming Development and Licensing. With almost a decade of industry experience, including as Head of Digital and Affiliate Marketing for a lottery operator, Jade adds further strength and expertise to the team at SMP eGaming. She is responsible for leading the firm's international gaming clients through the preparation and submission of complex licence applications across multiple international jurisdictions.

In addition, SMP Partners has appointed Scott Young as Quality Assurance Manager. Scott has more than nine years' experience in the eGaming industry, most recently spending two years as a Gaming Inspector for the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. He also has extensive background in management and compliance, including several years as Operations Manager with one of the longest-running eGaming companies in the Isle of Man jurisdiction.

David Hudson summarised: 'Establishing SMP eGaming as an independent consultancy was a natural step for SMP Partners after advising and guiding more than 50 gaming operators and software providers, established and early stage, through the licensing process. It was also the best response to the growing complexities of operating within the international gaming market, ensuring we are best-placed to serve the needs of international companies as they come to terms with the changing regulatory landscape in which they have to operate and the increasing focus on compliance and regulation.'