Jamaica

Jamaica – island gaming at its best.

Gambling in Jamaica is controlled and regulated by the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission.  This regulatory body was created in 1975 from the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Act.  This commission regulates all the gaming and betting operations as well as the lotteries in Jamaica. 

This commission is part of the Ministry of Finance and its primary functions are:

  • Control and regulate the gaming and betting operations in the jurisdiction of Jamaica in addition to regulating the lotteries on the island
  • Providing advice and information as well as making recommendations to the Minister of Finance in regards to the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Act
  • Consulting with the appropriate persons in relation to problems in the operation of gaming, betting or lotteries on the island of Jamaica
  • Survey and investigate with the purpose of getting information for exercising its functions
  • Encouraging the safe development and growth of the gambling industry on the island of Jamaica

The primary mission of this Jamaican gambling commission is to be a leading regulatory body in the gambling industry that provides quality and timely service to the stakeholders.  The Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission works diligently to ensure that the gambling industry operates to the highest standards of integrity by providing fair regulations for the lottery, gaming and betting sectors.  This commission also wants to ensure that the public has a high level of confidence in the gambling industry while it facilitates growth in the industry.  Another mission of this gambling commission is to ensure that the government receives and protects its tax revenue from gambling activities which is done by ensuring responsiveness and equity in the industry through a trained and professional staff.