Guyana moves to overhaul gambling regulation

The Guyana Gaming Authority Bill, which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the country’s gambling sector while promoting responsible gaming, has been introduced in the National Assembly.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall tabled the bill, which received its first reading in Parliament.

Presenting the legislation, Nandlall said it seeks to establish a framework for the licensing, regulation, supervision, taxation and control of gaming activities across Guyana.

The proposed legislation would strengthen oversight of the gambling sector by granting the Guyana Gaming Authority expanded regulatory powers over operators.

The bill also introduces provisions covering the regulation of gaming equipment, the creation of a Responsible Gaming Fund, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements, as well as administrative penalties and enforcement measures for regulatory breaches.

The introduction of the legislation follows months of Government discussions around reforming Guyana’s gambling framework, with officials raising concerns over what they characterize as the proliferation of gambling activity, particularly through mobile applications and land-based gaming outlets.

In October last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stated that gambling had expanded beyond its original role of supporting the hotel sector, evolving into a more widely accessible activity through digital platforms and a growing number of betting locations.

The Government has maintained that, while it does not intend to prohibit gambling, it wants the sector to operate under a stricter regulatory and taxation framework.

Meanwhile, the Government announced last month that it will expand its stakeholder engagement programme in the coming months to address gambling-related issues, as well as substance abuse and alcohol misuse.