Horseracing body IFHA slams offshore hubs as ‘pseudo-regulators’

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) is facing fresh scrutiny following sharp criticisms from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) (IFHA). The IFHA Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and Related Crime’s November bulletin is at the heart of the controversy. This bulletin draws comparisons between offshore licensing hubs, like the Isle of Man, and regions known for organised crime, such as the Philippines.

The IFHA Council’s transition to a global entity marks a pivotal moment in the fight against illegal betting and financial crime. Yet, with this evolution has come sharper focus on jurisdictions offering what the Council terms “pseudo-regulatory” oversight. According to the Council, these frameworks enable transnational crime networks to thrive under a fa?ade of legitimacy.

James Porteous, head of research for the IFHA Council, issued a damning critique in the November bulletin. “Offshore hubs provide a veneer of legitimacy while facilitating activities that are not only illegal but corrosive to sports integrity globally,” he wrote, comparing the Isle of Man’s regulatory practices to the now-shuttered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The Isle of Man in the spotlight

Once lauded as a beacon of responsible regulation, the Isle of Man is now under increased international scrutiny. Earlier this year, the GSC suspended the licences of King Gaming Ltd and associated entities following allegations linking the company to illegal betting operations and cyber fraud. Chinese court documents revealed that King Gaming Ltd had engaged in large-scale cyber scams and illicit financial flows, with activities spanning both the Isle of Man and the Philippines .

The Council’s bulletin highlights how offshore hubs like the Isle of Man, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Laos, and Papua New Guinea allow operators to bypass stricter regulatory environments. By exploiting these jurisdictions, operators create a veneer of legitimacy while engaging in activities linked to money laundering, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

Such vulnerabilities not only undermine sports integrity but also erode trust in the global regulatory framework. The Council’s call for unified, international action is clear: without decisive measures, these hubs will remain key enablers of global crime....[Read More ]