Jamaica’s Minister of Finance Audley Shaw recently proposed creating a new gaming authority, following a review of the nation’s various regulatory bodies. “This body would be the main advisory body to the government on gaming and would be given the resources and powers to regulate the industry,” Shaw said, speaking at the 2016 Gaming Industry Summit held recently in Kingston.
Shaw said the new agency also would issue operating licenses, develop codes and practices and monitor compliance. In addition, a new Responsible Gaming Commission would be established to help individuals with gambling addictions.
Shaw added the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the gaming sector, also may merge the Casino Gaming Commission with the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission.
He noted legislators are reviewing the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission Act and the Jamaica Racing Commission Act in regard to the new regulatory agency. “The amendments are expected to incorporate matters related to interactive and multichannel internet and mobile gaming,” Shaw said.
