Jamaica’s Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act is being amended in order to enable the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission to regulate the gaming sector more effectively, as well as to better protect stakeholders and consumers.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, recently tabled a Bill to amend the Act in the House of Representatives. The Act is also being amended consequent on the passage of a Casino Gaming Act, which has also been tabled in the House.

The Bill’s Memorandum of Objects and Reasons states that the amendments are based on recommendations from the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, to strengthen the regulatory framework, as well as the rules governing the operations of licensees – in order to ensure against criminal influences.