Jamaican Casinos by 2012

Tourists wanting to have a gamble while on vacation in Jamaica will soon be able to, both the Jamaican Goverment and Hotel investors are in talks to ensure that legislation will be in place by early 2012 for the application of at least one Casino License, to start with.

The Goverment is in advanced discussions with an undisclosed hotel investor in the western end of the island over a possible expansion that would lead to a casino gaming licence, while the Government has aided talks between Harmony Cove’s development company Tavistock and the EXIM Bank of China over possible funding.

Minister of industry, investment and commerce Dr Christopher Tufton said recently”fast-tracking the enabling regulations for casino gaming” in anticipation of successful outcomes for both projects being realised in early 2012.

“We expect in another week or two to table regulations related to the legislation that was passed and we are moving ahead to make sure those regulations are in place so that applicants for casino licences can pursue that opportunity,” said Tufton. “We are hoping that that will be ready by the end of the first quarter of next year.”

Jamaican Paradise

The minister didn’t give more details on the “investor from the west” but said that “they are expected to get back to us over the next couple of months with a plan, while we are working on the regulations”.

Casino gaming legislation requires a 2,000-room build-out or a US$1.5-billion investment.

“This particular investor we are having discussions with is committed to the process, so far. They are now doing their designs and we are working with JAMPRO to facilitate them,” he added.