(AsiaGameHub) – Jamaica has officially approved its 2025 Casino Gaming (General) Regulations. Passed by the Senate on Friday, this move marked a procedural milestone for the country’s land-based gambling market—one that has been regulated since 2010 but has yet to become operational.
Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who led the debate on the framework, stated that the included measures were designed to “safeguard the well-being of patrons and the integrity of operations”. She further added that the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) would ensure compliance with global financial crime prevention standards.
Striking a Balance Between Investment Promotion and Regulatory Oversight
After the regulations were passed, Jamaican Senator Dr. Elon Thompson praised them as a thoughtful equilibrium between encouraging investment and entertainment while maintaining accountability in the sector, according to the Jamaica Observer.
In his Friday remarks, he argued that these provisions would shift the regulatory approach from passive oversight to active harm minimisation.
Thompson highlighted specific safeguards embedded within the regulations. These included bans on participation by intoxicated individuals, mandatory procedures for handling minors, and requirements for detailed tracking of patron activity and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Regulatory Framework for a Long-Overdue Market
The Senate’s approval follows an earlier endorsement of casino gaming regulations by the House of Representatives in February. This dual-chamber approval signalled that the long-standing 2010 Casino Gaming Act now has the practical regulatory foundation needed to establish the sector.
The casino framework forms part of a broader, ongoing effort by the Jamaican government to open up its gaming sector. This initiative has also extended to online gambling, though comprehensive regulation of that market remains a work in progress.
The new regulations outline the functioning of the CGC, define licensing requirements and reporting protocols, as well as fee structures and enforcement capabilities. The framework has also sought to enhance transparency and accountability within the market.
Will Jamaica’s First Casino Open in 2026?
In March, CGC CEO Cleveland Allen reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to establishing the sector on solid footing. Allen said: “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.”
As part of those preparations, the regulator signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division. The MOU aimed to strengthen information sharing and bolster oversight of financial crime risks ahead of the country’s first casino launch.
With the regulatory infrastructure taking shape, attention now turns to the Spanish hotel group Princess Hotels and Resorts. The operator will become the first licensed integrated resort under the Casino Gaming Act.
Yet, the casino—set to be housed within the $400 million Princess Grand Jamaica resort at Green Island in Hanover—has missed two successive opening targets.
As far back as June 2024, Delano Seiveright, senior adviser to the Ministry of Tourism, was projecting a mid-to-late 2025 opening. However, by late 2025, Enzo Pezzoli, managing director of Princess Hotels and Resorts, had revised the expectation to Q1 2026.
He attributed the delay to the complexity of finalising documentation with the commission and the technical setup of gaming equipment. As of today, no confirmed opening date has been announced.
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