Jamaica House Passes Laws To Set Casino Gaming Act In Motion

Jamaica’s House of Representatives has approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025, operationalising the Casino Gaming Act passed more than ten years ago. The regulations laid out requirements for licensing, compliance, record-keeping and enforcement across the casino sector.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness informed lawmakers that the framework was “well thought out” and not a carbon-copy lifted from other countries. He mentioned that operators must promote responsible gaming with systems preventing underage gambling and regulating advertising. It is also important to monitor online and mobile gaming channels.

Holness linked the government’s framework to the Integrated Resort Development model, which combines casino facilities with attractions like beaches, theatre and cultural experiences.

“It is not the intention of the Government to make Jamaica a casino gambling destination,” he said.

Licensing oversight and harm prevention measures

Casinos will operate under licences from the Casino Gaming Commission and its supervision.

“Any casino that will operate in Jamaica will operate under licence. The casino operator has a clear responsibility to minimise gambling-related harm,” Holness said.

Furthermore, operators must implement internal controls addressing age verification, advertising, and player protection. Systems must restrict access by vulnerable individuals to physical gaming areas and digital platforms. The Commission will review these controls before granting approval. 

Also, the new regulations detail reporting obligations and audit requirements, allowing regulators to investigate breaches and apply necessary sanctions.

Integrated resorts and tourism development

Prime Minister Holness stated that the IRD concept will expand the country’s tourism sector. “These are not going to be stand-alone casinos where the only activity is gambling,” he said.

Resort projects will integrate gaming floors with amenities, such as tours, beaches, and theatres. Other additions include a performing arts institution in Montego Bay and an oceanarium designed to attract visitors.

“We need to be putting on local plays that are of the standard of Broadway, that people can come to our country to see performances,” Holness said.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams confirmed that the regulations now allow the processing of licence applications. The first casino is expected to operate within the Princess Resort Integrated Resort Development project.

Fiscal safeguards and next implementation steps

In addition, Holness addressed concerns about potential tax concessions for investors. “The Government is not on a frolic of its own, either by virtue of a Minister deciding by himself or collectively by the Cabinet, to give any special tax break or any special fiscal incentive to any large investor. That is absolutely not the case… those days are gone,” he said.

“This Government is particularly bounded by the law as it relates to how these incentives are given, and they are not done in an opaque fashion. They can be scrutinised, and, indeed, they have been scrutinised,” he added in response to a question from an Opposition member.

With the regulations approved, application processing will commence and the Princess Resort IRD, valued at $500m, is expected to be the first project to launch under the new regime.

“We did not merely cut and paste best practice legislation from other jurisdictions. It was well thought out,” Holness said.