As the island prepares to welcome its first casino, the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) is intensifying regulatory oversight to position Jamaica as a regional model for integrity, transparency and growing investor confidence.

The casino, to be located at the Princess Grand Jamaica Hotel in Hanover, is said to be one of three that are being potentially planned for the country. In anticipation of this, the Commission’s enhanced regulatory framework is therefore being rolled out at a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s economic transformation, ensuring that the anticipated growth in casino gaming aligns with international best practices and robust compliance standards.

“The CGC’s foremost responsibility is not simply to regulate casino operations but to build a foundation rooted in integrity, accountability, and respect for the law,” said Cleveland Allen, CEO of the CGC. “We are creating systems that protect investors, operators, employees, and the public, while ensuring that every dollar earned is managed transparently and fairly.”

Since its inception, the CGC has steadily evolved its regulatory approach to align with global standards. In recent months, this evolution has accelerated through modernised licensing, monitoring, and compliance systems. The commission has also adopted advanced digital tools to improve due diligence and enhance operational transparency

Key to this effort is a strategic partnership with the Financial Investigations Division (FID), formalised through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement enables deeper collaboration to detect and disrupt illicit financial activity, particularly money laundering risks associated with casino operations.

“This MOU strengthens how we identify and disrupt illicit financial flows that threaten Jamaica’s economy. By formalising faster information exchange, structured referrals, and sector-focused dialogues, we can move earlier and more decisively against money-laundering risks in casino gaming — protecting the integrity of our financial system,” chief technical director at the FID Dennis Chung said, in highlighting the significance of the collaboration.

“We are not waiting for issues to arise. We’re building the systems, standards, and alliances that prevent problems before they start. This is the diligence global investors expect — and Jamaicans deserve,” Allen further said.

The CGC’s work aligns closely with Jamaica’s broader tourism investment strategy which is increasingly focused on attracting high-value visitors and promoting luxury resort developments with stronger local linkages.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett in highlighting the role of casino gaming as part of a new frontier in Jamaica’s tourism development — said the push is to establish a sector that is resilient, one that can attract major investments as it delivers real opportunities for locals.

“This is about responsible expansion — building world-class resorts under a framework that prioritises transparency, local linkages, and sustainable growth,” he stated.

As part of its mandate, the CGC said it will also be placing strong emphasis on responsible gaming and public education.

According to Allen, the commission is committed to fostering an informed public that understands both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with casino gaming.

“We want Jamaicans to understand that casino gaming is not just entertainment — it’s an economic activity that must be approached with balance, education, and safeguards.”

“The CGC will continue to educate the public and work with stakeholders to ensure that the industry grows safely and inclusively,” he added.

The Princess Grande Jamaica resort in Green Island, Hanover, will be home to the country’s first casino.