In a milestone for the Caribbean’s tourism and gaming economy, the Senate of Jamaica has officially approved the Casino (General) Gaming Regulations 2025.
This legislative mandate empowers the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) to finally activate foundational laws that have been in development since 2010, establishing a rigorous framework for land-based casino resorts.
The Integrated Resort Development (IRD) Model
Under the new regulations of the Casino Gaming 2025, Jamaica will exclusively adopt the Integrated Resort Development (IRD) model. This ensures that casinos cannot exist as standalone venues; they must be integrated into large-scale tourism hubs that offer hotels, cultural attractions, and family-focused entertainment.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized that the goal is diversification, not a casino-led economy:
“The government does not intend to position Jamaica as a casino-driven destination, but instead to use the IRD model to diversify the country’s tourism offering while maintaining tight regulatory oversight.”
Princess Resort: The First Mover
The approval immediately clears the path for the $500 million Princess Resort IRD in the Parish of Hanover. Backed by Spain’s Princessa Hotels & Resorts, the project will merge luxury beachfront accommodation with a formal gaming floor, serving as the first test case for the new regulatory regime.
The regulations also introduce “Tier-1” compliance standards, including mandatory age verification, strict advertising controls, and a new oversight role for the CGC, which may eventually merge with the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) to form a unified national authority.
CGC Chairman Clovis Metcalfe will lead the rollout, ensuring that the transition into a fully operational regime attracts high-quality international investment while safeguarding the local community.
