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The House of Representatives has approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025, finally giving life to the Casino Gaming Act that was passed more than a decade ago.
These regulations establish the rules that will govern how casinos operate in Jamaica, covering licensing, compliance, record‑keeping, and enforcement. Prime Minister Andrew Holness told lawmakers that the framework was “well thought out” and not simply copied from other countries.
He stressed that operators must show a clear commitment to responsible gaming, with systems to prevent underage gambling, regulate advertising, and monitor online and mobile play. Holness explained that the government’s approach is tied to the Integrated Resort Development (IRD) model, which blends casinos with other attractions such as beaches, theatre, and cultural experiences.
“It is not the intention of the Government to make Jamaica a casino gambling destination,” he said, noting that casinos will be part of larger resorts designed to diversify tourism.
Strict oversight and responsible gaming focus
Prime Minister Holness emphasized that casinos will operate under strict licenses and be monitored closely by the Casino Gaming Commission. “Any casino that will operate in Jamaica will operate under licence. The casino operator has a clear responsibility to minimise gambling‑related harm,” he said.
Operators must adopt internal controls that cover advertising, age verification, and measures to prevent vulnerable individuals from accessing gaming areas or online platforms. The Commission will look into these systems to ensure compliance.
“These are not going to be stand‑alone casinos”
Holness explained that the IRD concept is designed to expand Jamaica’s tourism product. “These are not going to be stand‑alone casinos where the only activity is gambling,” he said.
Instead, resorts will combine gaming with beaches, tours, theatre, and cultural attractions. Plans include a performing arts institution in Montego Bay and an oceanarium to serve as new draws for 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 added.
Finance Minister Fayval Williams noted that the regulations now provide the framework to process licence applications, with the first casino expected at the Princess Resort IRD. Holness also addressed concerns about fiscal incentives, stressing that reforms prevent arbitrary concessions.
“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 said, in response to a query from a member of the Opposition.”
What are the next steps for implementation?
With the regulations approved, Jamaica has cleared the way for casino gaming to operate under modern, enforceable rules.
The Commission will begin processing applications, and the Princess Resort IRD, which costs $500 million, is expected to be the first to open under this framework. Holness reassured the public that the system was designed with care.
“We did not merely cut and paste best practice legislation from other jurisdictions. It was well thought out.”
