Guyana now has its first casino up and running but an Opposition MP has raised doubts over the effective regulation of the new industry. During the recent budget debate Opposition Leader Robert Corbin expressed concern that the Princess Casino was operating apparently with no procedural requirements in place. He stated that the casino legislation ‘railroaded’ through in January 2007 necessitates the presentation of regulations to support it but that none had been seen to date.
Gambling in Guyana comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Minister Clement J. Rohee replied to the Opposition Leader’s comments by saying that all the required regulations are in place as under the Gambling Act there is no need to consult the National Assembly on the matter. According to the Minister, he made the regulations and published them in the Official Gazette on 22 November 2008.
The Gaming Authority was established on 1 December 2008 and is the body responsible for the issuance of licences under section 32 of the Gaming Prevention (Amendment) Act; the monitoring of casino operations in Guyana; the administration of regulations made under the Act and advising the Minister with respect to the administration of the regulations or any other relevant matter. The Authority held its first meeting on 19 January 2009.
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The only sources of information on casino regulations in Guyana refer to rating of casino premises rather than the control of casino operations. No more than three casino licences will be issued in each administrative region and no person other than workers and guests of the hotels or resorts are to be admitted to the casinos.
In 2007 the Government promised to take measures to limit possible harm from problem gambling and to be vigilant in a constant assessment of the situation. However, despite assurances from the Government, there seems to be little actual information available on measures to monitor the casino industry in order to prevent money laundering activity and ensure that the games are conducted in a fair and responsible manner. (E-03.09.10)
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