The Jamaica Senate on Friday (April 17) approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025, marking a key step toward the formal rollout of the country’s casino gaming industry.
The regulations were developed by the Casino Gaming Commission under powers granted in Section 72 of the Casino Gaming Act, 2010. They establish the operational framework for the sector, including administrative procedures, licensing requirements, record-keeping and reporting obligations, regulatory fees, inspection powers, enforcement measures, and broader compliance standards.
Leader of Government Business and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, said the regulations are intended to ensure the industry operates in an orderly, transparent and internationally compliant manner.
She said the framework is designed to safeguard patrons, protect the integrity of operations, and uphold Jamaica’s reputation while also supporting efforts to prevent financial crime.
“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,” Johnson Smith said.
She noted that casino gaming forms part of Jamaica’s broader strategy to expand tourism offerings, describing it as an area of untapped potential.
The Minister said the Government has been working to strengthen tourism competitiveness through Integrated Resort Developments (IRDs), which combine hotels, entertainment, shopping, and other amenities.
“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,” she said.
Johnson Smith emphasised that the Casino Gaming Act is not intended to create standalone casinos, but rather to support IRDs where gaming is one component of a wider tourism offering.
She also outlined the regulatory role of the Commission in ensuring strict oversight of the sector, including protections for vulnerable groups and safeguards against criminal activity.
“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,” she said.
The Minister added that operators will be required to maintain strong internal controls and meet minimum standards set by the Commission to ensure accountability and transparency.
She also highlighted collaboration with Rise Life, a non-governmental organisation that supports individuals affected by gambling addiction, noting that the organisation already works with the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission and is now engaging with the Casino Gaming Commission.
Johnson Smith said additional support is being provided through the Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario to help strengthen the wider support system for responsible gambling.
She added that the regulatory framework has been carefully designed to ensure the Commission can effectively evaluate and grant licences.
The Casino Gaming Commission received its first application for a gaming licence last year. With the regulations now approved, the process can move forward toward issuing licences once applicants meet all requirements.
