Jamaica: gambling regulation and licensing
- Online sports bettingRegulated
- Online casinoRegulated
- Online pokerRegulated
- Lottery and iLotteryRegulated
- Horse race bettingRegulated
- Land-based (reference)Regulated
- Headline tax
- 7% GGR
- Licence required
- Yes
- Last verified
- 21 Oct 2026
Summary
Jamaica regulates gambling under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, in force since 1 January 1966 and administered by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), a statutory body established in 1975. Casinos sit apart, with the Casino Gaming Commission under the Casino Gaming Act 2010, which allows casinos only inside approved integrated resort developments. The Senate approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations on 17 April 2026, when the first casino licence application was still pending. There is no standalone online gambling licence. Remote betting runs through the land-based framework: the Commission may approve a licensed bookmaker to accept bets by electronic or other means at its licensed head office, and the Act defines online and electronic betting. The BGLC reports online casino and poker games inside licensed bookmakers' sports betting, and lottery tickets may be electronic. Its latest published lists (2024) show five licensed bookmakers and three lottery promoters. Taxes are fixed in the Act. Sports betting pays 7% of gross profit plus contributions of 1% to the Commission and 1% to the Collector of Taxes. Lottery tax is 25% of weekly gross revenue for declared lotteries and 20% for daily numbers and instant games, and lottery winnings carry a 15% levy above J$15,000. Imported gaming machines pay 6.5% of gross profit plus 2.5% to the Commission and 1% to the Collector; locally made machines pay J$5,000 a year each. The minimum age is 18. Industry sales were J$57.55 billion in October to December 2025, down 4% on a year earlier as Hurricane Melissa disrupted operations, and government revenue was about J$2.3 billion. The Commission is consulting on a central monitoring system for route machines, has proposed gambling advertising guidelines, and will take all licence applications and renewals online from January 2027.
Common pitfalls
Assuming Jamaica has an online licence: remote betting rests on a bookmaker's permit plus a Commission approval tied to a licensed head office. Confusing the BGLC with the Casino Gaming Commission, which licenses casinos only in integrated resorts. Using the pre-2017 recipients: contributions once paid to the CHASE Fund now go to the Collector of Taxes, although BGLC statistics still label them CHASE.
Key facts
- Regulator
- Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC)
- Regulator type
- Dedicated regulator
- Headline tax
- 7% GGR
- Licence required
- Yes
- Minimum age
- 18+
- Tax base
- Sports betting tax is 7% of the operator's gross profit on bets with a bookmaker, a non-promoter of pool betting or a totalisator (BGLA s.33), paid for each week within 14 days (s.35). Lottery tax is charged on weekly gross revenue, meaning stakes received less winnings payable (s.59A(4)); gaming machine levies are charged on monthly gross profit, meaning amounts wagered less winnings (s.44A(11)).
How to get a gambling licence in Jamaica
The regulator is the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC).
We record 7 licence types for Jamaica.
For the Technical service provider licence, the application fee is JMD 200,000.
- Applications
- Accepted on a rolling basis
- Time to licence
- The fit and proper investigation takes about 8 weeks or more once all documents are in; a fit and proper clearance lasts 5 years.
- Financial guarantee
- Lottery promoters and bookmakers must lodge a performance bond with a financial institution (for bookmakers under regulation 3(c) of the 1975 regulations); lottery promoters must also keep a dedicated bank account. At the 2023 bond consultation, player account balances were not covered by the bond.
- Headline tax
- 7% GGR (see Taxation for the full position)
- Licence register
- The regulator's public register of licence holders
Licence fees in Jamaica
| Licence type | Application fee | Annual fee | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical service provider licenceFit and proper assessment of each director and 5% shareholder at J$5,000, or J$50,000 on the multi-jurisdictional form for applicants with overseas residence or interests | JMD 200,000 | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
Built from the record on this page, last verified 21 Oct 2026. The Licensing and Taxation sections carry the full detail and sources.
Legal framework
Primary statutes
The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act
- Year
- 1965
- In force
- Yes
- Summary
- The main statute, in force from 1 January 1966. Establishes the Commission (s.4), licensing and the fit and proper test (ss.7 to 9), bookmaking and pool betting (Part III), betting taxes (Part V), gaming and gaming machines (Part VI), lotteries and lottery tax (Part VII), and offences. Defines online and electronic betting, and a minor as a person under 18.
The Casino Gaming Act, 2010
- Year
- 2010
- In force
- Yes
- Summary
- Creates the Casino Gaming Commission and permits casino gaming only as part of approved integrated resort developments, not as standalone casinos.
The Proceeds of Crime Act, 2007
- Year
- 2007
- In force
- Yes
- Summary
- The anti-money laundering statute. The BGLC is the competent authority for the gaming sector under it and under the Terrorism Prevention Act.
Secondary instruments
The Licensed Betting Offices Rules, 1965 (Second Schedule to the Act)
- Year
- 1965
- In force
- Yes
- Summary
- Conduct rules for betting offices: no entry for persons under 18, no encouraging customers to bet, closure on Good Friday and Christmas Day, and (para. 8) Commission approval for a licensed bookmaker to accept bets by electronic or other means at its licensed head office.
The Proceeds of Crime (Designated Non-Financial Institution) (Gaming Machine Operators) Order, 2013
- Year
- 2013
- In force
- Yes
- Summary
- From 1 April 2014 designates any person operating 20 or more gaming machines under a BGLA licence as a non-financial institution subject to POCA.
The Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025
- Year
- 2025
- Summary
- Made by the Casino Gaming Commission under s.72 of the Casino Gaming Act and approved by the Senate on 17 April 2026. Sets administrative processes, licensee obligations, record keeping and reporting, regulatory fees, inspection and enforcement.
BGLC Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct
- Year
- 2022
- In force
- Yes
- Summary
- Seven practices applied by licence type, with a separate column for interactive and mobile operators: player information, links to RISE Life, self-exclusion, proof of age, advertising standards, minors and financial transaction limits.
Key amendments
- Act 10 of 2010: fit and proper test, definitions of online and electronic betting, electronic tickets, Commission approval for bookmakers to accept bets electronically, lottery agent licences and the pool betting duty rates.
- Act 5 of 2014: sports betting outlets, bet writer and lottery sales outlet licences, technical service provider licensing, gaming lounge machine limits and the current lottery tax rates.
- 19 Dec 2016Act 22 of 2016: track and off-track betting licences may be granted exclusively for a parish for a specified period.
- 4 Aug 2017Act 20 of 2017: the 1% sports betting contribution and the 2% non-promoter pool betting contribution, formerly paid to the CHASE Fund, are paid to the Collector of Taxes by the 7th of each month; the gaming machine and lottery contributions become fees to the Collector.
Pending legislation
Route Machine Sector Transition Plan
- Stage
- BGLC stakeholder consultation, March 2026
- What it changes
- Updated technical standards with certification by accredited testing laboratories, a central monitoring system with machine-level and near real-time revenue reporting, and stronger AML record keeping for route gaming machines, with a transition window for operators to upgrade or replace machines.
Gambling advertising and marketing guidelines
- Stage
- Proposed BGLC position published July 2024 after an October 2023 public consultation
- What it changes
- New advertising guidelines requiring age and responsible gambling messages in all content and advance disclosure of prizes, odds and bonus terms; restrictions on billboards near schools and on sponsorship where 50% or more of the audience is children and youth.
Performance bond and segregated customer funds guidelines
- Stage
- BGLC consultation document of March 2023; industry responses published
- What it changes
- A single methodology for performance bonds across lottery promoters, bookmakers, the racing promoter and gaming lounges, and a segregated bank account for player account balances.
Licensing
- Licence required
- Yes
- Application window
- Rolling
- Local establishment required
- Not yet verified
- Local server required
- Not yet verified
- Typical time to licence
- The fit and proper investigation takes about 8 weeks or more once all documents are in; a fit and proper clearance lasts 5 years.
- Bank guarantee or bond
- Lottery promoters and bookmakers must lodge a performance bond with a financial institution (for bookmakers under regulation 3(c) of the 1975 regulations); lottery promoters must also keep a dedicated bank account. At the 2023 bond consultation, player account balances were not covered by the bond.
- Notable licensees
- Supreme Ventures Gaming Limited, Post to Post Betting Limited, Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Limited, Goodwill Gaming Enterprises Limited, Island Sizzling Tech. Ja. Ltd.
- Certification requirements
- Locally manufactured gaming machines must meet the BGLC technical standards for route operation machines and, since 1 April 2019, be obtained only from licensed technical service providers.
- Barriers to entry
- There is no online-only route: remote betting attaches to a bookmaker's permit and a Commission approval for electronic betting at a licensed head office. Every applicant, director and connected person must pass the fit and proper test (s.7(2B)), and applicants with overseas residence or interests go through a multi-jurisdictional background check.
Licence types
Bookmaker's permit
- Scope
- Receiving or negotiating bets at declared odds, including sports betting
- Term
- Up to 5 years, reviewed annually
- Fee basis
- Permit fee payable to the Commission
- Renewal terms
- Subject to annual review by the Commission (BGLA s.19(4))
Approval to accept bets by electronic or other means
- Scope
- Online, telephone and mobile betting by a licensed bookmaker at its licensed head office
- Renewal terms
- Subject to the terms of the approval; the Commission may suspend, vary or revoke it (Second Schedule, para. 8(3))
Betting office, betting lounge and sports betting outlet licences
- Scope
- Retail premises of a licensed bookmaker; a betting lounge may hold up to 19 gaming machines
- Term
- Betting lounge licence up to 5 years
Licence to promote a lottery
- Scope
- Declared lotteries, daily numbers games and instant lotteries, sold through licensed agents and approved sales outlets or media
- Fee basis
- Lottery tax and contributions set in the Act and the licence
Gaming machine operator and prescribed premises licences
- Scope
- Gaming machines in bars, clubs, hotels, betting lounges and gaming lounges (20 to 150 machines)
- Term
- 1 year, 1 April to 31 March
- Fee basis
- Application fee of J$4,000 or as prescribed (s.44A(4)(c)); annual levy of J$5,000 per locally manufactured machine; premises levy of J$2,500 plus a J$1,000 contribution a year (s.44(4)); 6.5% and 2.5% of gross profit for imported machines
- Renewal terms
- Renew by 31 March each year to avoid penalties
Technical service provider licence
- Scope
- Supply, testing, repair and leasing of gaming machines, gambling software and hardware, electronic transaction processing and networking for betting, gaming or lottery activity (s.43C)
- Application fee
- JMD 200,000
- Fee basis
- Fit and proper assessment of each director and 5% shareholder at J$5,000, or J$50,000 on the multi-jurisdictional form for applicants with overseas residence or interests
Casino gaming licence
- Scope
- Casino gaming within an approved integrated resort development
Taxation
- Headline GGR tax
- 7% GGR
- Effective date
- Not yet verified
- Player winnings tax
- Lottery winnings levy of 15% of the winnings on a winning ticket, deducted by the licensed lottery promoter; winnings not exceeding J$15,000 are exempt (BGLA s.59I). The House of Representatives may change the rate by affirmative resolution.
- Withholding mechanism
- The lottery winnings levy is deducted at source by the lottery promoter.
- Tax base
- Sports betting tax is 7% of the operator's gross profit on bets with a bookmaker, a non-promoter of pool betting or a totalisator (BGLA s.33), paid for each week within 14 days (s.35). Lottery tax is charged on weekly gross revenue, meaning stakes received less winnings payable (s.59A(4)); gaming machine levies are charged on monthly gross profit, meaning amounts wagered less winnings (s.44A(11)).
Earmarked levies
- Sports betting contributions: 1% of weekly gross profit to the Commission and 1% to the Collector of Taxes by the 7th of each month (formerly the CHASE Fund) (Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission; Collector of Taxes)
- Lottery tax: 25% of weekly gross revenue for a declared lottery; 20% for a daily numbers game or instant lottery (Commissioner of Inland Revenue)
- Gaming machine levy and contributions: 6.5% of monthly gross profit to the Collector of Taxes for imported machines and machines at racecourses, 2.5% to the Commission and a 1% fee to the Collector; J$5,000 a year per locally manufactured machine (Collector of Taxes; Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission)
- Pool betting duty (racing promoter): 2% of gross profit, plus contributions of 1% to the Commission and 4.5% to the Jamaica Racing Commission (Commissioner of Inland Revenue; BGLC; Jamaica Racing Commission)
- Pool betting duty (non-promoter): 9% of gross profit, plus contributions of 5.5% to the Commission and 2% to the Collector of Taxes (Commissioner of Inland Revenue; BGLC; Collector of Taxes)
Compliance
- Minimum age
- 18+
- National self-exclusion
- Not yet verified
- KYC timing
- At player account registration
- AML regime
- Proceeds of Crime Act and Terrorism Prevention Act. All licensees must keep their businesses from being used for money laundering, terrorist financing or proliferation financing; operators of 20 or more gaming machines are designated non-financial institutions under the 2013 order and are supervised risk-based, with BGLC circulars on customer due diligence, risk assessment, transaction monitoring and independent review.
- AML supervisor
- Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (Casino Gaming Commission for casinos)
- Deposit limits
- Player-set betting limits: interactive and mobile operators must provide a system for players to set betting limits, with a cooling-off period before changes take effect.
- Source of funds thresholds
- The Responsible Gaming Code requires operators to set cash and cheque payout limits and a cash transaction limit of J$1 million.
- Central monitoring system
- None in force. A central monitoring system with machine-level, near real-time revenue reporting for route gaming machines was put to stakeholders in March 2026.
- KYC requirements
- For interactive and mobile player account wagering, the BGLC Responsible Gaming Code requires registration procedures with date of birth validation, identification and document verification, and a website restricted to players over 18.
- Stake limits
- Not yet verified
- Mandatory player messaging
- Websites must display the tagline "Game Responsibly", the Responsible Gaming Code and responsible gaming information with a link to RISE Life; operators must offer self-exclusion and may initiate exclusion for a set period.
- Reporting obligations
- Sports betting tax is paid weekly within 14 days (s.35); lottery tax weekly within 7 days (s.59B); gaming machine levies and contributions by the 7th of each month (s.44A(4)).
- Game content restrictions
- Locally manufactured gaming machines must meet the BGLC technical standards for route operation machines.
Advertising
- Advertising permitted
- Yes
- Sponsorship rules
- No statutory rule. The BGLC proposed in July 2024 to restrict sponsorship where 50% or more of the target audience is children and youth.
- Bonus advertising rules
- Loyalty and rewards programme registration materials must include the terms and conditions (Responsible Gaming Code). The BGLC proposed in July 2024 that customers receive accurate information on prizes, chances of winning and significant bonus terms before taking part.
- Mandatory warnings
- The tagline "Game Responsibly" on advertising and promotional material (Responsible Gaming Code).
- Penalties for breach
- Advertising an unlicensed lottery carries a fine of up to J$500,000 or up to 12 months' imprisonment (s.48). The Commission may suspend, vary or revoke a licence after an investigation (ss.9 and 10).
Restrictions
- A bookmaker may advertise licensed betting offices in print or electronic media, and the advertisement must satisfy the codes of the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica, the Fair Trading Commission or the Broadcasting Commission (BGLA s.22(3) and (4)).
- Advertising a lottery that is not licensed or exempt is an offence (BGLA s.48(1)(c)).
- All advertising and promotional material must be balanced and not false, misleading or deceptive, and any advertised jackpot must be available to be won at the time (Responsible Gaming Code, practice 5).
- Staff of a licensed betting office must not encourage anyone on the premises to bet (Second Schedule, rule 5).
Enforcement
- ISP blocking
- Not yet verified
- DNS blocking
- Not yet verified
- Payment blocking
- Not yet verified
- App store takedowns
- Not yet verified
- Administrative penalties
- Refusal, suspension, variation or revocation of a licence, permit or approval after an investigation with the powers of a Resident Magistrate (BGLA ss.9 and 10); fixed penalty notices for offences in the Seventh Schedule (s.14).
- Criminal penalties
- Unlicensed bookmaking or pool betting: up to J$1 million or 18 months (s.20B). Organising unlawful gaming: up to J$2 million or 2 years (s.38(3)). Unlicensed technical services: up to J$1 million (s.43C). Unlicensed gaming machines: up to J$500,000 or 12 months, with forfeiture (s.46).
- Operator liability
- Operators, managers and directors are liable for unlicensed betting, gaming and lottery activity; where a body corporate offends, directors and managers who consented or failed to use due diligence are also liable (s.63).
- Player liability
- Taking part in unlawful gaming is an offence carrying up to J$1 million or 12 months (s.38(2)); resorting to premises used for unlicensed betting carries up to J$50,000 or 3 months (s.16(3)).
Notable actions
- Illegal cash pot (lottery) operator, Waterhouse, Kingston20 Mar 2019
Fined by the court after a joint BGLC and police operation, with 7 days to pay or be imprisoned
Fine: JMD 375,000 as of 20 Mar 2019
Timeline
1 Jan 1966
The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act comes into force
1 Apr 2014
Operators of 20 or more gaming machines become designated non-financial institutions under the Proceeds of Crime Act
19 Dec 2016
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2016 assented
4 Aug 2017
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2017 redirects CHASE Fund contributions to the Collector of Taxes
24 Mar 2023
BGLC consults on performance bonds and segregated customer funds
20 Nov 2023
BGLC public consultation meeting on gambling advertising
6 Feb 2025
BGLC opens a compliance drive for unlicensed gaming machines, penalty-free until 30 June 2025
17 Apr 2026
Senate approves the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025
1 Jan 2027
All BGLC licence applications and renewals to be made online through GMIS
Outlook
From January 2027 all licence applications and renewals must go through the BGLC's GMIS online portal. The Commission is consulting on a transition plan for route gaming machines that would add certified technical standards and a central monitoring system, and has proposed advertising and sponsorship guidelines that are not yet in force. The Casino Gaming Commission can now process the first casino licence application under the regulations the Senate approved in April 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- Who regulates gambling in Jamaica?
- The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, for betting, lotteries and gaming machines. Casinos are licensed separately by the Casino Gaming Commission under the Casino Gaming Act 2010.
- Is there an online gambling licence in Jamaica?
- No standalone one. A licensed bookmaker can be approved by the Commission to accept bets by electronic or other means at its licensed head office, and the BGLC reports online casino and poker games within licensed bookmakers' sports betting.
- How is sports betting taxed?
- 7% of gross profit under s.33 of the Act, plus contributions of 1% to the Commission and 1% to the Collector of Taxes.
- How are lotteries taxed?
- Lottery tax is 25% of weekly gross revenue for declared lotteries and 20% for daily numbers games and instant lotteries. Players pay a 15% levy on lottery winnings, with winnings up to J$15,000 exempt.
- What is the minimum gambling age?
- 18. The Act defines a minor as a person under 18 and makes it an offence to let a minor bet or take part in gaming or lotteries.
- Can casinos operate in Jamaica?
- Only as part of an approved integrated resort development. The Senate approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations on 17 April 2026, which clears the way for the first licence; the first application was received in 2025.
- How much does a gambling licence cost in Jamaica?
- For the Technical service provider licence, the application fee is JMD 200,000. The Licensing section lists all 7 licence types recorded for Jamaica. Last verified 21 Oct 2026.
- Is online gambling legal in Jamaica?
- Online casino and online sports betting are both legal for licensed operators in Jamaica. The status of every vertical is at the top of this page. Last verified 21 Oct 2026.
- How long does it take to get a gambling licence in Jamaica?
- The fit and proper investigation takes about 8 weeks or more once all documents are in; a fit and proper clearance lasts 5 years. Last verified 21 Oct 2026.
Glossary and directory
Sources
Source tiers. Tier 1: the law, official gazette, licence register or regulator itself. Tier 2: other official sources such as ministries, parliaments, courts and statistics agencies. Only tier 1 and tier 2 sources can support a fact on their own.
- The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act (revised text, in force 1 January 1966, amendments to Act 22 of 2016)
Ministry of Justice, Laws of Jamaica
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act, 2016 (No. 22 of 2016)
Houses of Parliament of Jamaica
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 19 Dec 2016 - The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act, 2017 (No. 20 of 2017)
Houses of Parliament of Jamaica
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 4 Aug 2017 - The Proceeds of Crime (Designated Non-Financial Institution) (Gaming Machine Operators) Order, 2013
Houses of Parliament of Jamaica
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, home page
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - About BGLC
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Licensed Gaming Operators
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Licensed Bookmakers 2024-25 (licences expiring 31 March 2025)
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Nov 2024 - Licensed Lottery Promoters as at September 2024 (updated November 2024)
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Nov 2024 - Bookmakers Permit: applying for grant of a bookmaker's permit
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Gaming Machines and Premises
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Technical Service Providers
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Anti Money Laundering (AML/CFT/CPF)
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Quick Guide to Responsible Gaming: the BGLC Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct (revised 2022)
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Summary of Proposed BGLC Positions on Gambling Advertising (July 2024)
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Public Consultations
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Guidelines on Bond Methodology for Lottery Promoters, Bookmakers, Operators of Track Betting and Operators of Gaming Lounges (consultation document)
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 24 Mar 2023 - Route Machine Sector Transition Plan: Stakeholder Consultation, March 2026
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Gaming Industry Statistics, Quarterly Highlights: Q3 FY2025/26, October to December 2025
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - $375,000 fine for illegal cash pot operator
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 20 Mar 2019 - Casino Gaming Commission of Jamaica, home page
Casino Gaming Commission
Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026 - Casino Gaming Regulations Approved in the Senate
Jamaica Information Service
Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 18 Apr 2026 - BGLC Urges Licencees To Use GMIS Online Portal Ahead Of March 31 Deadline
Jamaica Information Service
Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 28 Mar 2026 - BGLC Urges Unlicensed Gaming Operators to Get Regularised
Jamaica Information Service
Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 6 Feb 2025