The Jersey Gambling Commission (JGC) has finally awarded its first online gaming licence, with lottery software provider Twelve40 the first company to receive approval in the Channel Islands bailiwick.

Twelve40 has been granted a remote gambling operator’s licence under the terms of Part 2, Article 12 of the Gambling (Jersey) Law 2012. The new licensee is a software platform provider targeting small and medium-sized lotteries across the world.

It is designed to take lottery operators that currently offer physical ticket sales only to add an online element to their offering, with virtual tickets and online scratchcards.

The company’s director Steve Hickson said that by obtaining approval from the JGC, his company has been required to ensure it meets and continues to comply with strict criteria set by the regulator.

Jersey’s regulations require operators to guarantee a robust, reliable and fair server to customers, as well as ensuring it manages problem gambling and adheres to strict age verification controls, Hickson explained.

“The regulator here in Jersey has been extremely approachable and helpful throughout the entire application process,” he continued. “Right from our initial enquiry they have provided invaluable advice and guidance and all in all, whilst it has been a stringent process, it has been smooth and straightforward, taking just two months from submitting our initial application to receiving our licence certificate.”

He said the licensing process and due diligence carried out, as well as the ongoing requirements for compliance, are modelled upon top-tier jurisdictions around the world, which he said made him confident that the Twelve40 solution would be well-received on the global stage.

JGC chief executive Jason Lane said that the change in the UK’s licensing system had led to renewed interest in Jersey as an iGaming hub, adding that he was delighted to have awarded its first licence to Twelve40.

“The application process has been a very smooth one, and the company has exciting plans for the future,” Lane added.

Jersey has long talked of its intention to begin licensing online gaming operators, signing a memorandum of understanding with Malta’s Lotteries and Gaming Authority back in 2012.