Last week Jamaican legislators continued to debate the Casino Gaming Act 2009 and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2009. In the House of Representatives a variety of views were expressed on the licensing of casinos in the country, with State Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Michael Stern pointing out that casinos would bring economic benefits to Jamaica from more than gaming.
He said that visitor spending would increase in other sectors and hospitality industry training would have to be upgraded to meet a new level of service to tourists. This in order that “…we can attract the high-end technical staff, and not allow importation of management at the high end in the industry."
Some Members of Parliament took a definite anti-gambling stance, alluding to social problems that can arise with gambling expansion. Other MPs took the view that safeguards against gambling addiction and the establishment of treatment programmes should be a prerequisite of a change in Jamaica’s gambling laws.
Member of Parliament, Dr Wykeham McNeil, agreed that casino gambling could be a catalyst for development, boost tax revenues and enhance the country's tourism offerings. However, he commented, “It is not enough for us to just pass legislation allowing casino gambling. We must also put into this legislation provisions that ensure that the negative effects of casinos and gambling in general on our society, are studied and researched.” Dr McNeil also said that casinos should come under
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the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission and not be under a separate regulatory body.
The gambling industry in Jamaica is estimated to be worth some $50 billion a year. Slot machines are the most popular form of gambling, followed by the lottery and horse racing. The proposed amendments to the existing gambling laws include allowing Sunday horseracing. This would mean owners of racehorses could offset more of their expenses and provide an added stimulus for the industry.
MP Dr St Aubyn Bartlett, who supports the introduction of casino gambling, suggested that horseracing should be allowed on three or four days of the week instead of the present one and a half days. "That is just not enough. It just cannot pay the bills. More races will provide more opportunities for jockeys, for grooms, for trainers and for the livelihood of the various players in the industry."
The debate on the proposed new gambling laws is due to continue in the House of Representatives. (E-03.01.10)
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