Casino bill signed into Jamaican law

Information Minister Daryl Vaz announced last week that Governor General Sir Patrick Allen had signed the legislation. There had been speculation in the local media that because Sir Patrick is a senior member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church which opposes gambling, he may not have signed the Bill.

But Vaz said the only issue was that the Bill was at the Government printers because of a typographical error that had to be corrected. The government will now go ahead with establishing the Casino Gaming Commission as well as crafting and implementing the necessary regulations to govern casino operations.

The Commission will have powers to grant casino gaming licences to persons to undertake casino gaming within an approved integrated resort development. It will also grant personal licences for specific individuals identified by the Commission as occupying management positions or carrying out operational functions in a casino.

The body will also be empowered to ensure that casino gaming is conducted fairly, legally and in a manner which protects children and vulnerable persons.

To facilitate the Commission's functions, amendments must be made to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1975, under which the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission currently regulates and controls the operations of betting and gaming and the conduct of lotteries in Jamaica.

The Bruce Golding administration has insisted that casino gaming will expand our tourism product, increase earnings, generate employment and increase tax revenues. However, the Church has made its stance against gambling very clear.