Jamaica has reached the next phase of it's gambling regulatory journey, as the nation’s Senate has formally approved new casino rules put forth by the Casino Gaming Commission.
Indeed, these new rules have laid out the foundation of a regulated gambling landscape in Jamaica, providing comprehensive licensee requirements, enforcement powers reporting and record-keeping and reporting procedure and regulatory fees. Elsewhere, player safeguards and operator standards are outlined as part of these newly approved regulatory proposals – which broadly seek to establish a network of integrated resort developments (IRDs) in the nation long-term.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has also been brokered between the Casino Gaming Commission and Rise Life – a non-governmental entity which works to protect vulnerable citizens – for support of those who struggle with problem gambling and addiction.
Jamaica has enacted this latest regulatory campaign to help boost tourism in the nation – particularly around its hotel and hospitality industries. It has been underlined by government officials involved with the initiative that player protection remains pertinent to the overall fluency of the market, once it is regulated, with the commission and Rise Life engaging directly with the Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario, which is supporting the operational development of Jamaica’s market.
Commenting on this latest development was Jamaica’s Leader of Government Business and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith – who has spearheaded these regulations – stating: “At the heart of these regulations is the drive to provide a further boost to Jamaica’s economy by diversifying and enhancing our tourism industry which is a major contributor to Jamaica’s GDP.
“IRDs including luxury hotel rooms, luxury shopping, entertainment facilities and casinos in particular…have great potential to diversify, enhance and further expand Jamaica’s attractiveness and sought-after tourism product. The commission is also the designated competent authority in respect of casino gaming under the Proceeds of Crime Act, under the Terrorism Prevention Act, and under the UN Security Council Regulations Implementation Act and the regulations that are made thereunder.”
Jamaica’s land-based sector has been regulated since 2010 but has not yet gone live – there are also regulation efforts underway for the online sector
