Jamaica sets strategies against illegal gambling
The government announced the merger of several regulators into one Gaming Commission.
Jamaica.- The Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) and Crime Stop will work together on preventing and ending illegal gambling services in Jamaica. As recently announced, the BGLC and Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) will be combined to form the new Gaming Commission, which will bring the industry a specialised authority to strengthen regulations and operations.
The Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) could be part of the merger too. Finance and the Public Service Minister Audley Shaw commented that the Gaming Commission will receive more resources and authority to regulate the industry and control the activities in the island by operating licences, development of codes of practice, monitoring stakeholder compliance with the law and regulations and ensuring that operators institute measures to assist persons who may develop gaming addiction.
Furthermore, the agreement with Crime Stop will enable anonymous citizens to report illegal gambling activities through Crime Stop’s ‘311’ toll-free number. Authorities have set a reward of up to JMD$25,000 (US$195,82). Executive director at the BGLC, Carole Martinez-Johnson, speaking at the official signing ceremony on September 27, in Kingston, commented: “This is a more inclusive approach to fighting illegal gambling, by enlisting the support of the public, now making the eradication of the problem everybody’s business.”
“We are taking this approach to ensure that all gambling activities in Jamaica are carried out in a manner which is safe and fair, and that the industry remains free from crime,” concluded Chairman of the BGLC, Clovis Metcalfe.
