The Casino Gaming Act is back in motion more than a decade after it was passed
Jamaica has taken a major step toward activating its long-delayed casino framework. The House of Representatives has approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025, putting the long-standing Casino Gaming Act into motion more than a decade after it was passed.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness told lawmakers the regulations were carefully crafted to fit Jamaica’s needs. He said the system was not copied from other countries and includes strict rules around licensing, compliance, and oversight.
Casinos will operate only under licenses issued by the Casino Gaming Commission. Operators must meet detailed requirements covering record-keeping, internal controls, and responsible gaming safeguards. Measures include preventing underage gambling and limiting access for vulnerable individuals.
The framework also addresses online and mobile gaming. Regulators will review each applicant’s systems before granting approval, and reporting standards will allow authorities to investigate violations and impose penalties when necessary.
Holness stressed that Jamaica is not trying to become a gambling hub. The government’s plan centers on an Integrated Resort Development model, blending casino floors with hotels, beaches, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions.
Tourism expansion is a central goal. Proposed projects include performance spaces and other amenities designed to attract international visitors. Finance Minister Fayval Williams confirmed that license applications can now move forward under the new rules.
The first major development is expected to be part of the Princess Resort Integrated Resort project, valued at around $500 million. Holness also addressed concerns about special tax breaks, saying incentives will follow existing laws and remain subject to public scrutiny.
With regulations now in place, Jamaica’s casino industry moves from concept to implementation, marking a new chapter in the country’s tourism and gaming policy.
