Casino gaming is to become a reality in Jamaica following the passage of a gaming bill in the country's parliament last month, which will now be signed into law by the Governor General, Sir Patrick Linton Allen.
In an interview with JIS News, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Arthur Williams, said detailed gaming regulations will be drafted and a casino gaming commission would be established shortly.
"Casino gaming will expand our tourism product, increase earnings, generate employment and increase tax revenues," he said. "For instance, the investment to build one 2,000-room hotel is $1.5bn.
The law sets out plans for developing luxury, integrated resorts, within which casinos will be permitted. It also stipulates that the casino component of a resort should be limited to no more than 20 per cent of the overall investment. The casino commission, meanwhile, will be given power to grant casino licences and will work to ensure that gaming is conducted in a fair and legal manner.
Casino projects in Jamaica are expected to create approximately 33,000 jobs, while also boosting tourism and other related industries.
