Jamaica’s House of Representatives has approved regulations to govern the country’s casino sector, enabling the Casino Gaming Commission to begin processing its first licence application.

The rules set out requirements for licensing, record-keeping and regulatory fees. The government said the framework supports tourism development while establishing formal oversight of casino operations.

During debate covered by Television Jamaica, opposition MP Damian Crawford questioned whether the safeguards are sufficient to protect vulnerable consumers.

He cited concerns about gambling addiction and “loss chasing”, and pointed to a potential loophole that could allow customers to register credit cards for transactions, despite a ban on directly purchasing chips with credit.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness rejected claims that the framework weakens protections. He said the policy does not aim to make Jamaica a large-scale casino destination, but to ensure strict compliance standards.

Holness stated: “the gamer must register and their use of the facility is monitored and there are minimum standards which set a trigger that would help for intervention were there to be any detection of self abuse or addictive behaviour.”