Online Gambling Facts
From humble beginnings to current political waves, the gambling laws and facts from Jamaica just keep rolling on. A short history lesson.
Far from only having white sandy beaches and ganja, Jamaica is a gambler's paradise - if you fit the requirements, that is. Read on for an interesting look at the beginnings to current waves that Jamaica is making in the gambling world.
Ever since the creation of online casinos in the mid 1990's, Jamaica has not been far behind in creating their own waves from those crystal blue Caribbean waters.
When it comes to gambling in Jamaica, the following are some very important facts you should commit to memory or at the very least, just know for your own good and better playing!
Law of the Land
Jamaican gambling law is actually pretty interesting. It seems that for over 90 years now, local residents have not been allowed to play, bet or own and operate any type of gambling business - online or not. There was an inquiry in 1976 about why this way and a possible lift of the ban, but as of right now, the problem still stands.
However, for non-residents and tourists, Jamaica is a gambling paradise. There are also multiple companies who own and operate within in the Jamaican jurisdiction daily with little to no problems.
For a hotel to qualify for a casino license, it has to have a minimum of 1,000 rooms and an investment of $1.5 billion. Casinos are not to exceed 20 per cent of the total investment and experience of the development.
The Betting Games & Lotteries Commission (BGLC) was created in 1975 to regulate all gaming under the rules set forth by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act.
Easy Access, Mon'!
With Jamaica being a haven of fancy resorts with casinos and gaming rooms, there is no shortage of hot casino action. Many, if not all, casinos are required by the BGLC guidelines to be located within cruise ships or resorts which means easy access to tourists and permanent non-residents.
Players may choose from slots which dominate the scene, but also video poker, blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker (a local specialty), craps and roulette as well as many different online betting and gambling sites.
Having locations in the 5 main areas of Jamaica - Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Falmouth, a player is never far from the tables and slots!
Ridin' the Waves Forward
As the political scene heats up about the status of local Jamaicans being allowed to gamble, in April of 2009 it was reported that the Prime Minister has approved a $6.8 billion investment plan into the Harmony Cove and Celebration Jamaica resorts which will have over 4,000 rooms and also provide thousands of jobs for local residents.
According to tourism minister Ed Bartlett the policy of locals being allowed to gamble online or off-line is not off the table yet.
Keep tuned to Online Casino Reports for all the latest developments as they come about!
