Jamaica establishes casino regulations with new Senate-approved guidelines

Jamaica has opened a regulated pathway for casino investment following Senate approval of the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations 2025.

The regulations outline licensing requirements, reporting procedures, fee structures, and enforcement provisions under the oversight of the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC). They also set parameters intended to improve transparency and accountability across the market.

The Senate vote completes a legislative process that included the House of Representatives’ approval in February. Together, the measures provide the operational framework required to implement the Casino Gaming Act of 2010, which had remained without active land-based casino operations despite being in place for more than a decade.

Balance between investment and oversight

During the debate, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the provisions were designed to “safeguard the well-being of patrons and the integrity of operations”. She added that the CGC would ensure compliance with global financial crime prevention standards.

Senator Dr. Elon Thompson described the regulations as establishing an equilibrium between investment activity and accountability within the sector. He said the framework introduces a shift toward active harm minimization.

The regulations include measures such as prohibiting participation by intoxicated individuals, establishing procedures for handling minors, requiring detailed tracking of patron activity, and setting dispute resolution mechanisms.

Regulatory structure takes operational form

The framework defines the functions of the CGC, including licensing oversight and compliance monitoring. It also establishes reporting obligations and enforcement capabilities for operators entering the market.

The casino initiative forms part of a wider government effort to open the gaming sector. Work linked to online gambling remains ongoing, with a comprehensive regulatory model still under development.

In March, CGC CEO Cleveland Allen reaffirmed the Commission’s approach to building the sector. Allen said at the time: “The CGC’s foremost responsibility is to build a foundation that ensures Jamaica’s casino industry grows with integrity, accountability and respect for the law.”

To support oversight, the CGC signed a memorandum of understanding with Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division to facilitate information sharing and address financial crime risks ahead of market launch.

First integrated resort still without confirmed opening date

Attention now turns to Princess Hotels and Resorts, the Spanish operator of the first licensed integrated resort under the Casino Gaming Act. The casino will be located within the $400 million Princess Grand Jamaica development in Green Island, Hanover.

The project has missed two projected opening timelines. In June 2024, Ministry of Tourism senior adviser Delano Seiveright indicated a mid-to-late 2025 launch. By late 2025, managing director Enzo Pezzoli revised the timeline to Q1 2026.

Pezzoli attributed the delay to the complexity of completing documentation with the commission and the technical setup of gaming equipment. No confirmed opening date has been announced.