Jamaica eyes further casino resorts after first gaming licence awarded

The granting of Jamaica’s first casino gaming licence is expected to pave the way for further integrated resort developments, with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett confirming that at least three additional projects are considering casino operations.

The country’s inaugural casino licence was recently awarded to Adamas Grand Casino Limited for the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort in Green Island, Hanover. Bartlett said he expects the casino to open during the final quarter of the year, ahead of the winter tourism season.

He said the introduction of casino gaming would broaden Jamaica’s tourism offering by attracting higher-spending visitors while creating new employment opportunities requiring specialist training.

Bartlett also confirmed that the proposed Hard Rock development at Rose Hall is among the projects exploring a casino licence, although he stressed that all applicants must satisfy extensive due diligence and regulatory requirements.

Under Jamaica’s Casino Gaming Act, casinos are only permitted within approved integrated resort developments and cannot operate as standalone venues. Both residents and tourists will be permitted to gamble, although access to casino floors will be restricted to guests or visitors with authorised access to the resorts.

Casino Gaming Commission CEO, Cleveland Allen, said Princess aims to open its casino by December but has until 31 March 2027 to meet all regulatory conditions under the terms of its licence.

Allen also confirmed the regulator has signed a memorandum of understanding with RISE Life Management, supported by Ontario’s Responsible Gambling Council, to strengthen responsible gambling measures ahead of the country’s first casino opening, including staff training, player protection measures and self-exclusion programmes.