Editor's Note (26 Jun 2003): Click to read a reponse to this article from the Isle of Man Gambling Control Commissioners

Hard Rock Casino (www.hardrockcasino.com) said in an email to their players that they are moving their online casino operations from the Isle of Man to Alderney in the Channel Islands. The move will take place on Tuesday 1st July 2003.

Alderney is one of the jurisdictions able to issue online casino licenses in the British Isles and is among the most tightly regulated in the world.

Hard Rock described the move as "part of our continued effort to develop a better service for our customers."

The Isle of Man's strict gaming regulations have apparently made it very difficult for online casinos to operate. Two other Isle of Man licensees, Casino Atlantis and Play MGM Mirage, have recently called it quits and decided to shut their casino operations.

Before the casino completes its move it is obliged by law to ensure that all existing Isle of Man customers have a zero account balance. If you currently have money in a Hard Rock account you should play or withdraw this before 09:00 on Monday 30th June. After this time any outstanding balance will be refunded to your registered card, or sent by check.

On Tuesday 1st July, once the move to Alderney has been completed, players will be able to access their accounts as before from the same web address www.hardrockcasino.com, using their existing account details. Players will also be able to deposit funds in their accounts and play games.

In order to complete the move the casino will be unavailable for a short period between the 30th June and 1st July.