The Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC) is drafting regulations to legalise online gaming in Jamaica, but is mum on the entities that are lined up for licensing and unsure of the timeline for implementation.
Legalisation would allow local gaming companies to enter the near US$40-billion global market.
The agency said security concerns would be addressed under the rules being drafted, and signalled that it would include online casino gambling.
The research site statistica.com, to which the Financial Gleaner was referred by the BGLC, indicates that in 2015 the online gaming market accounted for US$38 billion worth of bets, a figure forecast to increase to nearly US$60 billion in 2020.
Statistica's research captures data on wagering something of value, usually money, on the outcome of an event or game, using the Internet.
Interactive gambling online includes poker; casino games such as roulette and blackjack; sports betting; bingo; and lotteries.
Statistica said "casino games and sports betting make up the largest share of the market" for online wagering.
The research site noted, however, that despite the rapid growth of online gaming, land-based gambling still dwarfs Internet activity, with a spring 2016 survey
by Nielsen Scarborough indicating that almost 83 million Americans admitted to having visited a casino in the past year.
The BGLC, whose new Executive Director Vitus Evans was appointed on May 1 of this year, said there are no operators approved to offer interactive gambling in Jamaica.
"However, being responsive to the interest that has been shown to offer this type of product, initiatives are being made to introduce the legislation for the licensing regime for interactive gaming," the regulator noted.
As to other potential players in this market segment, the BGLC said it could not "disclose any information related to licensees' operations or business plans."
Top lottery and gaming company Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), which is known to be among the interested companies, declined to speak to its plans ahead of the writing of the regulations, "as we are unable to do anything on the SVL side until they are firmly in place," said SVL Assistant Vice-President for Group Corporate Communication Simone Clarke-Cooper.
In July, SVL launched a new technology platform - the Enterprise Series system - that it announced would allow the company to deliver interactive gaming options as soon as it got the green light from the regulator.
As to when the regulations will be finalised and debated into law, the BGLC said: "The process is not yet at a stage where the commission can provide any specific time frames."
See the article here:
- OnlineGambling.com > #1 Online Gambling Sites Guide 2016 [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- Gambling Problem Hotline - 800 Gambler [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- Online Gambling Sites & Games Guide | Gambling.com [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- World Casino Directory - Casino Guide and Gambling Forums [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- South Florida Events & Restaurants - southflorida.com [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Online Casino & Online Poker Room - 888.com [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling - helpguide.org [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- The History of Gambling - Complete Gambling History Timeline [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Welcome to The Alderney Gambling Control Commission [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Gambling Law US - State Gambling Laws United States [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction: Ten Ways to Stop Forever | Healdove [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2016]
- GambleAware: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2016]
- New York Casinos & Gambling in New York [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2016]
- Virginia Casinos & Gambling in Virginia - World Casino ... [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2016]
- William Hill Casino Club - Up To 150 Casino Bonus [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2016]
- gambling | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2016]
- Texas Casinos & Gambling in Texas - Texas Casino Directory [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2016]
- Problem gambling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2016]
- Casino Gambling Web | Best Online Gambling News and Casinos ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Gambling | Wex Legal Dictionary / Encyclopedia | LII / Legal ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction Treatment Center, Rehab - Non Gambler [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- New Jersey Casinos & Gambling in New Jersey [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Gambling | Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Remote Gambling Association (RGA) [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- Gambling - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2016]
- Hard Rock Casino proposal announced for Meadowlands [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2016]
- Trusted Online Gambling Sites Since 1996 - Online.Gambling.org [Last Updated On: January 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 6th, 2017]
- One of the biggest gambling days of the year: Super Bowl Sunday brings big temptation for gambling addicts - fox6now.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Famous YouTube FIFA gamer fined for gambling offences - Goal.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Gambling Stock Roundup: Macau Sales Rise Again in January, Nevada Records a Drop in December - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Carryout owner facing gambling house charges - Lima Ohio [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Crackdown on illegal gambling in the Philippines now underway - GamingTodaySlotsToday [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Problem Gambling Researchers Know Issue All Too Well - KNPR [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Military should screen for gambling disorder, GAO says - Virginian-Pilot [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Gambling with people's autonomy - Spiked [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- YouTuber admits Fifa gambling offences - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Older gamblers face worse odds for addiction - Times Herald-Record [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Bill introduced to lower age for legal gambling in Nevada - Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dangers of sports gambling - Daily Sundial [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Military Should Screen for Gambling Problems, says Government Report - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Gambling inquiry: Pokies no different than going to the movies, hospitality group says - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- GAO report recommends military members be screened for ... - wtkr.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- How to Handle Gambling Wins and Losses This Tax Season - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- FIFA gaming YouTuber faces huge fine after pleading guilty to gambling charges - Digital Trends [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The Newest Challenge in Gambling: Finding Growth - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Federal oversight agency wants the military to screen for gambling addiction - Military Times [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Gambling and plastic politics - San Diego Reader [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Is gambling 'good for Gearhart'? - Daily Astorian [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Super Bowl Betting Tally Helps Make the Case for Legalized Sports Gambling - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Idaho House panel introduces bill limiting Indian gambling - Virginian-Pilot [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- MLB commissioner admits the league is rethinking its stance on gambling - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- YouTubers fined for running illegal FIFA 17 gambling site - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Proposal to lower legal gambling age gets cold reception from gaming industry - News3LV [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- South Australia's gambling tax highlights the regulatory mess of online betting - The Conversation AU [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- MLB Commish Opens Door to Legalized Gambling: 'We Are Reexamining Our Stance' - Mediaite [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Kenyan youth splashing cash on looks, gambling Geopoll study - Nairobi News (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- No truth to alleged link between missing Spencerport teen, illegal gambling - 13WHAM-TV [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Gamblers caught in Hat Yai open-air casino bust - Bangkok Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Idaho House Panel Introduces Bill Limiting Indian Gambling | Boise ... - Boise State Public Radio [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Duterte orders war on illegal gambling - Philippine Star [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- OUR VIEW: Transparency needed in gambling operations - Pacific Daily News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Rob Manfred may change MLB's stance on gambling - SB Nation [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Kenya: Gambling in Kenya Gets Out of Hand - AllAfrica.com [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The world's biggest gamblers - The Economist (blog) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Gambling Responsibly - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Do you have a mobile gambling/gaming problem? - KMTV [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Worldwide Gambling Win Totaled $385 Billion in 2016, Australia Biggest Loser - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- New York State transformation into the gambling big leagues nearly ... - The Daily Freeman [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Palace: Duterte won't hesitate to remove officials protecting gambling lords - Philippine Star [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- UFC 208 odds, gambling guide - MMA Fighting [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Vote down gambling - The Augusta Chronicle [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Casino gambling in Texas: Probably not this session, says lawmaker - LubbockOnline.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Calendar urges gamblers to cut their losses l Dayton, Ohio - Dayton Daily News [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- AFL: Geelong's Harry Taylor questions 'worrying' effects of gambling advertising on children - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Football's gambling problem: You better, you better, you bet - Football365.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- States are gambling with law enforcement safety | TheHill - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Scary graph shows how Australians are the biggest losers - NEWS.com.au [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Last holdout Lakewood to vote on repealing video gambling ban - Northwest Herald [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]