Learn how Jamaica regulates online gambling as well as online casinos, and find out more about the Jamaican Casino Gaming Commission, the country’s regulatory body for all things gambling.
Gambling in Jamaica has been completely legal and fully regulated since 2012. This happened after the government had passed the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, which further paved the way for gambling to receive a lawful background, where regulatory bodies would oversee all forms of gambling in the country under the guidance of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission.
In the past few years Jamaica has been trying to make gambling a full experience with bringing vacation resorts into play.
Currently, online gambling in Jamaica is prohibited to Jamaican citizens, and they have to look for international oversees online casinos to play at until the country resolves this issue with the responsible regulatory bodies.
The Jamaican government is intent on capitalizing on the ever-growing online gambling industry and the prospects of opening a number of online casinos in Jamaica. If the government would decide to issue operating licenses to companies, the Jamaican Casino Gaming Commission would then issue licenses to gaming operators interested in operating such an establishment in the country. This would surely bring more funds into the country, as the Commission can award licenses for a certain fee, but also expect to tax all profits from these casinos.
There is a large number of land-based gambling establishments in Jamaica that offer players a wide range of all forms of gambling and all types of casino games, such as roulette, blackjack, slots and poker.
The nation’s capital Kingston holds the most casinos. Online gambling as well as visiting online casinos is legal in Jamaica, however, only for tourists, since the governments has deemed that online gambling is detrimental to Jamaicans and they should not be involved in such actions. On the other hand, Jamaicans can freely play at international and offshore online casinos if they choose so.
As of now, online casinos aren't operating in Jamaica because of legal concerns, as well as issues that concern money laundering. Online gambling often poses a threat to both players and countries, because they are an ideal way to cover illicit enterprises. Currently, the government is working with banks to find the best way to make online casinos legal and safe for all parties involved.
All forms of gambling activities have been legal in Jamaica since 2012 for all citizens 18 years and older.
If you are a Jamaican citizens, you are not allowed to play at Jamaica-based online casinos. However, foreign citizens are allowed to play without any restrictions.
Jamaica has been planning on issuing licenses to online casino operators for some time, and that might happen very soon.
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