Seems like the Jamaican government is interested in legalizing online gambling in the Caribbean island. According to reputable sources like iGaming Business and business to business magazine, are stating that the Jamaican minister of finance and public service sad that the process has already been started.
Audley Shaw, minister of Finance and public sector in Jamaica has been cited in various industry related magazines saying that the process of legalization has started and that the government is already in talks with various other major investors who are interested in the support of such online gambling legislation.
According to the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian, Mr. Shaw said that;
“Since last year, the Casino Commission has met with two large international investors, which are now advanced in the preparation of their applications for Integrated Resource Development status. Considering this development, there is a lot of optimism for the growth potential of the gaming sector.”
It seems that a memorandum of understanding has been processed from the Jamaican Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission together with the law-enforcement authorities so that intelligence can be shared between the two bodies. Shaw also said that the advancements in the legalization of online gambling is a major step for the fight against illegal gambling activity in the country and that the authority will need to have eyes and ears to the ground to provide information to the authorities so that action can be taken as quick as possible.
In the end, Shaw stated that the illegal gambling activity is earning around 2 billion dollars each year, with the majority of that going to the bankroll of criminal underground. Illegal gambling is stealing the government from potential revenue which could easily be spent on much more important aspects on the daily life of Jamaicans.
