Jamaica approves landmark casino regulations after years of delays
Jamaica now has a working casino framework on paper. The Senate approved the Casino Gaming General Regulations 2025 on Friday, following House support earlier in the year. That gives the Casino Gaming Act 2010 the practical rules needed to get the market running.
During debate, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the measures were built to "safeguard the well-being of patrons and the integrity of operations". She also said the Casino Gaming Commission would enforce global financial crime prevention standards.
Dr Elon Thompson framed the rules as a balance between investment and accountability. He pointed to limits on intoxicated patrons, procedures involving minors, patron tracking and dispute handling. In his view, the system now shifts closer to active harm reduction.
The regulations also set out how the Casino Gaming Commission will operate, along with licensing terms, reporting duties, fees and enforcement powers. So after years of delay, Jamaica finally has a usable land-based casino rulebook.
Even so, the first opening is still on hold. Princess Hotels and Resorts is due to run the first licensed integrated resort under the law at the $400m Princess Grand Jamaica in Green Island, Hanover. But the casino already missed two target dates.
