In the late ‘50s the voice of Church leaders on the Caribbean island of Jamaica had much to do with the repeal of the law that allowed casinos in some hotels. Since that time the Church has been loud in its opposition to gambling whenever the subject has been raised. It was not successful in preventing the establishment of a national lottery on 7 December 1968 and lamented the fact that a form of gambling had been given official standing.

Whilst there are some forms of gambling in Jamaica, including some gaming machines in hotels and gaming lounges, the casino industry has yet to find a foothold in the country. Audrey Marks, a top Kingston businesswoman and president of the American Chamber of Commerce, has asked what the country fears and suggested that there is an inevitability about casino gambling in Jamaica. She points out that society in The Bahamas has not fallen apart since casinos were licensed there, and its economy benefits greatly.

At a University College of the Caribbean function, Audrey Marks said it should not be beyond Jamaica to put infrastructure in place to minimise any adverse affects of gambling and maximise the benefits. It is thought that the Government may uphold the commitment by the previous administration to support a casino project in top tourist area Montego Bay. Marks advocates casinos as a potential source of revenue for the much needed education reform that presently lacks finance, and says that a casino sector should be pegged to large tourism investment schemes.

Over the years the Church has so far kept casino gambling out of Jamaica. It still objects to the use of ‘immoral’ means to achieve desirable ends such as charity and education. The gambling issue was put on hold prior to the elections in Jamaica but once again the topic is under discussion. It remains to be seen if the Church will continue to block casino licensing or whether, as in the case of the National Lottery, its objections will be noted but ignored in the pursuit of additional revenue and an increase in tourist numbers. (E-02.18.08)

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