Jamaica issues first casino licence for Princess Grand

Jamaica has issued its first casino operator’s licence, clearing the way for casino gaming to begin at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort in Green Island, Hanover, more than a decade after lawmakers began developing the country’s regulatory framework.

The Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) announced Wednesday that it granted the inaugural licence to Adamas Grand Casino Limited, marking a major milestone in the establishment of Jamaica’s regulated casino gaming industry.

The casino will operate at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort under a management agreement with Grupo Orenes, a Spanish gaming and hospitality company with casino operations in Spain, Mexico and Andorra.

The licence brings forward plans first announced when Princess Hotels & Resorts unveiled its roughly US$800 million investment in Hanover, which included a casino as part of the planned integrated resort development.

According to the CGC, Adamas Grand Casino Limited underwent a comprehensive review process that assessed the company’s ownership structure, financial capacity, integrity and business competence under the Casino Gaming Act.

Before opening to the public, the operator must meet additional regulatory requirements, including implementing approved internal controls, surveillance systems, responsible gaming measures, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing procedures, player protection protocols and integration with the Commission’s Gaming Management Information System.

Finance and the Public Service Minister Fayval Williams said the approval reflects Jamaica’s efforts to attract international investment while maintaining strong regulatory oversight.

"The granting of this licence reflects Jamaica's continued progress in building a modern economy underpinned by strong institutions and transparent regulation," Williams said.

She said casino gaming will be subject to the same anti-money laundering and beneficial ownership standards applied across Jamaica’s financial sector.

Williams also highlighted the potential economic impact of the Princess development, saying the project is expected to create hundreds of temporary and permanent jobs, expand Jamaica’s tourism offering and provide opportunities for local businesses.

"It signals Jamaica's readiness to welcome world-class investment that will expand our tourism product, create quality employment, stimulate local businesses and generate sustainable revenues for the country," she said.

Casino Gaming Commission Chairman Ryan Reid described the licence as an important development for both the gaming sector and the wider economy.

"Today marks a significant step forward, not only for the casino gaming industry, but for the wider development of our tourism product and our national growth," Reid said.

CGC Chief Executive Officer Cleveland Allen said the approval represents the result of more than a decade of regulatory preparation and institution-building.

"The issuance of Jamaica's first casino operator's licence is the culmination of more than a decade of deliberate institution-building and regulatory preparation," Allen said.

"Our responsibility extends well beyond licensing. Through rigorous oversight, uncompromising compliance standards and continuous supervision, we will ensure that this industry develops with integrity, transparency and accountability."

The CGC said Jamaica’s regulatory model allows casino gaming only as part of approved large-scale integrated resort developments and does not permit stand-alone casino operations.

The Commission said it will continue working with Adamas Grand Casino Limited to complete remaining pre-operational requirements before the casino opens and will monitor compliance throughout the duration of the licence.