Jamaica has approved new gaming regulations, paving the way for the development of resort casinos within the country.
Last week, the House of Representatives gave the green light to two sets of casino gaming regulations concerning applications, games and types of operations.
The 2011 casino regulations fall under the umbrella of the Casino Gaming Act, which stipulates the number of hotels they can contain, the manner in which the developer is to operate the complex, financing and operational maintenance and the economic impact of the property.
The newly created Casino Gaming Commission, meanwhile, is to be given the power to draft regulations for the licensing and operation of casinos with the approval of the Minister of Finance.
Current Finance Minister Audley Shaw said he expected pre-approved developers to apply to the Commission for licences and will be strictly regulated to ensure they meet the new guidelines.
“The Ministry will, through the relevant departments and agencies, be examining the operations of the integrated resort developments, to ensure that the expected economic benefits to the country are realised,” he said.
