INNOVATE GAMING | MARKETS - AMERICAS
INNOVATE GAMING | MARKETS - AMERICAS
Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago
Jamaica has started to accept casino proposals on the Caribbean island-nation for the first time, in order
to boost tourism. The Jamaican Government has promised investors “exclusivity” if they can prove to
deliver up to 2,000 rooms as part of an integrated development plan.
Trinidad and Tobago, the tropical island nation in the northern edge of South America, is attempting to
reverse its ban on gaming for the first time in almost 60 years. The government has established a working
group to formulate draft legislation for a regulatory gaming framework, which could be in place by 2015.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed during the closing of the
2013/2014 budget that investors have until 30th September
2013 to submit plans, with an accompanying J$ 15m (US$
150,000) application fee. A project coordinator has been
appointed to oversee the process and the review period is
expected to last no longer than four months, which means
plans are likely to be approved by January 2014.
Lawmakers have contemplated regulation for many years
to govern the country’s burgeoning gaming industry,
which rakes in hundreds of millions of dollars each year
in undeclared income. But political and social interests
have prevented any course of action being taken. A recent
government change has brought the independent party to
power under a new leader, Anthony Carmona.
In addition to the application fee, operators would be subject
to annual license fees, levies payable by holders of personal
licenses of key positions in the casino organisation and a 10
percent tax on gross gaming profits. Finance Minister Peter
Phillips believes casinos will expand Jamaica’s hotel industry.
During the 2013 Budget Presentation, the new government
announced it would address the social concerns arising out
of the proliferation illegal gambling in Trinidad and Tobago.
The growth of gambling over the past few years however,
would suggest there is a keen public demand for gaming.
According to Ministry regulations, proposals must consist of a variety tourism and entertainment
amenities including, but not limited to, hotels, villas, casinos, attractions, sports facilities, service centres
and retail. The development must house at least 2,000 rooms with at least 1,000 ready for occupancy
prior to the start of gaming.
“Under the CGA [Casino Gaming Act], applications for AIRDs [Approved Integrated Resort
Developments] are to be made to the Minister,” declared Walter Scott, Head of the Betting Gaming &
Lottery Commission. “After an AIRD is made, the successful applicant will apply to the Commission,
which may grant a casino gaming license pursuant to Section 18 of the CGA.”
In order to facilitate the best deals for interested parties, the government would form “buffer zones”
around projects where no competing facilities can be built. Companies could work with state-owned
Urban Development Corporation for access to property.
There are more than a dozen casinos operating in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as approximately 90
Private Members Clubs (PMCs), which mostly offer casino-style video slots. Accord