Jamaicans to discuss casino legislation

Posted on March 05, 2010 by CasinoBazar

Politicians in Jamaica are set to debate the virtues of introducing casino style gambling to the island nation in the Caribbean Sea. The draft bill would see just three casino licenses offered to potential investors within exclusive geo-graphical zones.

After weeks of discussion on the matter, the parliamentary commitee charged with reviewing legislation for the proposed Casino Gaming Act approved the bill and it was submitted to Parliament for debate. The process so far has taken two years and has been submitted along with the newly amended Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission Act.

Committee chairman Daryl Vaz said: "We are making sure out of an abundance of caution, that we monitor and regulate the introduction of casinos." Rather than focus on issues of problem gambling, opposition members have expressed concern over licence limitations and are questioning the government's motives in presenting such exclusive agreements claiming the restrictions are anti-competetive.

Back in 2006 the government entered into exclusive licensing arrangements with investors which it now claims were not legally binding due to the lack of gaming legislation at the time. The previous government has signed a joint venture with Tavistock Group to develop 2,350 acres of Trelawny oceanfront property to include gaming lounges and luxury hotels. Vaz said the government wanted to continue negotiations to bring further investments to benefit the country and that discussions had taken place with other hotel groups for a second license.