KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), has indicated that it intends to fast-track the roll-out of Internet gaming in Jamaica.

Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the BGLC, Carole Martinez-Johnson, said that the commission is currently reviewing proposals from licencees, which will be processed as quickly as possible.She was speaking at a JIS Think Tank held at the agency’s head office in Kingston on June 1. Executive Director of the BGLC, Vitus Evans, noted that online gaming is a lucrative industry, valued at US$39.9 billion in 2015. He noted that the figure is forecast to reach US$51.96 billion by 2018.Evans said interactive and online gaming represent the new frontier of the industry, and will be key topics for discussion at the upcoming Caribbean Gaming Show and Summit in St James.“Gaming, like other forms of entertainment, is transforming from an activity that consumers enjoy at a physical brick and mortar location to one that is readily available online, with opportunities, for gaming, literally at players’ fingertips 24 hours a day, accessible via smartphones, tablets and laptop PCs,” he pointed out.He said the BGLC will be facilitators and enablers to ensure the orderly development of the industry and the protection of citizens who choose to engage in this form of entertainment.“It is important to understand the industry and the opportunities. This is important as the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act goes through the process of being updated to establish the licensing regime and framework for regulatory supervision of interactive gaming,” Evans pointed out.The BGLC will be hosting the Caribbean Gaming Show and Summit 2017 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 14 to 15. The event will focus on the impact of technology on gaming.Matters to be examined include jurisdictional issues, protection of minors and responsible gaming.Chief Executive Officer of Millennial Sports Canada, Alex Igelman, will speak on the growth of eSports.Attendees are invited to register for the conference at www.bglc.gov.jm.