Jamaica’s integrated resorts are combining casino gambling facilities with top-class hotel developments that are set to receive a major boost with the 2025 opening of the country’s first casino.
Integrated resorts are a great way to boost tourism and create a more comprehensive entertainment experience for visitors. These resorts combine casino gaming with other amenities like top-notch hotels and exquisite restaurants.
Now, Jamaica is offering exciting entertainment and recreational facilities, all within one of the Caribbean's most inviting tourism markets.
Jamaica is taking significant steps toward the introduction of casino gaming as part of its broader strategy to attract foreign investment and boost its tourism sector. The challenge for the Casino Gaming Commission of Jamaica, however, is to ensure that responsible gambling practices are embedded within the country’s regulatory framework.
Jamaica’s tourism sector has long been a key driver of its economy, attracting millions of visitors each year. In 2023, the country welcomed approximately 4.1 million visitors, generating over US$4.3 billion in revenue.
Despite this, casino gaming has not yet been fully integrated into the lucrative Jamaican tourism landscape. While the Casino Gaming Act (CGA) was adopted in 2010 to facilitate this development, and amendments were made in 2021 to encourage integrated resort developments, the island has yet to see a fully operational casino.
Instead, the gaming sector is currently regulated under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), with gaming machines in hotels, bars, and betting shops serving as the primary form of gambling in Jamaica.
The Jamaican Ministry of Finance and Public Service has announced its intention to issue a public request for applications for an Approved Integrated Resort Development (AIRD) order for the St James zone.
An integrated resort development must have a minimum of 1,000 hotel rooms, of which 500 must be luxury rooms. Additionally, the development must have a minimum capital investment of US$450 million.
Portfolio Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke stated:
“The government is committed to supporting the diversification of the tourism/entertainment product in Jamaica, and therefore, the Ministry of Finance and Public Service will continue to actively encourage and facilitate the construction and operation of integrated resort developments.”
The concept of integrated resort development was introduced by the Jamaican government more than a decade ago to further expand the country’s tourism product. These luxury resort developments include but are not limited to hotels, villas, spas, other recreational facilities, shopping centers, and casino gaming venues.
Jamaica’s first casino is set to open for business in 2025 - built by the Princess Hotel chain at its resort complex under development in Hanover.
The gambling venue is a key component of the second phase of the resort project. The casino at Princess Grand Jamaica is expected to open mid to late 2025.
So, while there are no fully operational integrated resorts yet, there are plans for developments like Resorts World Jamaica and the Golden Grove Resort that will significantly boost Jamaica’s revenue stream and enhance its position as a premier tourism destination.
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