A month after launching its Gaming Management Information System (GMIS), Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC) is preparing to enhance the platform with two significant updates. The adjustments aim to improve usability and better meet the needs of the gaming industry in 2025.

Launched on December 2, GMIS is a cornerstone of BGLC’s digital transformation efforts, designed to modernise regulatory processes and improve service delivery. It allows gaming operators — particularly new entrants — to manage applications, renewals, and amendments online, reducing the reliance on manual, in-person processes.

The commission expects the platform to foster greater compliance by encouraging operators currently operating outside the legal framework to migrate to the digital system. This transition is also expected to alleviate BGLC’s administrative burden by reducing paperwork and streamlining workflows.

The roll-out of GMIS comes amid a drop in Government revenue rom betting, lottery, and gaming in Q1 2024/2025.

Despite isolated growth in gaming lounges, Government revenue from betting, lottery, and gaming fell to $2.601 billion in Q1, an 11.8 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2023/2024. The betting sector saw significant decreases, with bookmakers and the Racing Promoter experiencing revenue drops of 24.25 per cent and 36.70 per cent, respectively, contributing 57 per cent and 43 per cent of total betting revenue.

The gaming sector recorded a sharp 49.22 per cent decline in Government revenue compared to the previous quarter, though gaming lounges posted a modest 4.40 per cent increase, offset by an 11.9 per cent fall in non-gaming lounge revenues. Meanwhile, the lottery sector, which accounted for 89.31 per cent of total government revenue, saw a 5.56 per cent decline over the same period.

Amid these challenges, the GMIS is expected to build resilience in the sector. By improving efficiency and transparency, the commission says the platform aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and service delivery.

“It’s all about improving efficiency and delivering a world-class service to our customers,” Wendy Robertson, BGLC’s manager of corporate affairs and communication, told the Jamaica Observer.

While the GMIS has been praised for improving service delivery and transparency, BGLC has acknowledged areas for improvement. These include making the platform more user-friendly and addressing specific feedback from operators.

“We are looking at a road map for future enhancements in the coming year. Since going live we have been identifying additional enhancements to roll out in the coming year to further enhance the platform,” Robertson said.

She also emphasised the importance of listening to stakeholders. “We continuously listen to the licensees to determine how we can improve our services to them,” she said.

Recognising the challenges some operators may face in transitioning to the digital platform, BGLC has implemented a comprehensive support strategy. The commission offers user-friendly instructional videos, ongoing engagement through a newly formed customer service department, and consistent communication to highlight the system’s benefits, including cost savings and convenience.

“We have developed a comprehensive strategy to support operators who may be slower to adopt the online platform,” Robertson noted, adding that these efforts are designed to ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

Despite the emphasis on digital processes, BGLC continues to provide traditional support through its licensing team, which assists with annual renewals. However, the commission hopes that increased adoption of the online portal will eventually reduce the need for field visits.

“Currently, the licensing team goes out into the field to assist licensees with the renewal process annually. With the recent soft launch of the gaming management system the hope is that, in the short term, we will have more traction on the customer portal — and this will reduce the need for the licensing team to be out in the field,” Robertson explained.

Looking ahead, the planned updates to GMIS will focus on further refining the system’s interface, improving workflow efficiencies, and expanding its reporting capabilities. These enhancements are designed to ensure the platform remains adaptable to the evolving needs of the gaming industry.