Jamaica’S tourism players have shot down suggestions that the introduction of casino gaming will prompt a further increase in crime on the island.
“Casino is an experience that has its own niche and a very powerful niche in terms of the ability to spend,” said tourism minister Ed Bartlett. “There can be no concern regarding that (crime) because the tourism communities, by and large, the resort centres, by and large, are not attractive to criminality.”
Wayne Cummings, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) that represents the tourism sector, agreed with Bartlett. He said that it was unfair, at this stage, to cast aspersions on casino gaming. “I don’t expect it to be any different here in Jamaica. And I think the notion that casinos bring crime is something that is 50 years old. The wild, wild west mafia thing we have envisioned as in the days of old are things that are long gone. Casinos are now run, for the most part, by reputable companies with proper due diligence done and with proper government regulations, etc.”
