Jamaican Casino Gaming Act to be debated

Jamaica’s Finance and Public Service Minister Dr Nigel Clarke is expected to begin discussing the country’s Casino Gaming Act.

On Tuesday 22 June, the Lower House of Parliament will discuss changes to the act that will look to introduce more flexibility to casino operations and developments across Jamaica.

The amendments will focus on including a minimum capital investment required for those wanting to finance the operation of an approved integrated resort development.

The Casino Gaming Act currently aims to stimulate the growth of resorts and the wider economy through large-scale investment.

However, the law is being changed to reduce the number of hotel rooms required to be constructed in a resort development.

If the act is successfully altered, developers that are currently constructing hotel rooms will be allowed to apply for an integrated resort development order.

Meanwhile, the Jamaican Government wishes to change the law to authorise the construction of luxury rooms that fit the prescribed size specifications and minimum construction cost of each room.

In addition, the Lower House of Parliament and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, will also look to discuss the Sexual Harassment Act 2020.

The act deals with sexual harassment in the workplace, schools, institutions, nursing homes and other places.

Minister Grange had informed Parliament two weeks ago that she advised the bill should be debated and pass through the House of Representative before the end of June.

She adds that her Ministry is doing everything to ensure alterations to the regulation would be completed quickly.