According to the Trade and Industry Department, Mr Gilmore will be addressing the issues which have led several of the island's online casinos to leave for other jurisdictions, and looking for appropriate solutions.

He will be working closely with all interested parties, in both the public and private sectors, in order to develop the jurisdiction as a leading e-gaming centre.

In a statement released this week, Minister of the DTI, Alex Downie announced that:

"I believe John is an important addition to our attempts to diversify the Manx economy. The island's experience with e-gaming has been very valuable, and we have developed a high standard of e-business expertise and facilities that are applicable to all aspects of e-business."

He continued:

"I have been impressed by the level of both support and commitment from many Manx businesses and I believe this will be a very powerful force if we can better align it and support it with the Island's legislative and regulatory environment. John will play a key role in helping to co-ordinate our efforts with respect to online gambling."

Mr Gilmore confirmed this, and went on to explain that:

"As well as helping to evolve our casino segment, I look forward to promoting the sports betting segment, where the island's recent move to standardise duties with the UK now enables IoM-based businesses to market into the UK." He concluded:

"It remains the case that the IoM's well regulated e-gambling jurisdiction appeals greatly to businesses that need to maintain their international high quality image."