KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s casino gaming regulators are stepping up training and coordination with law enforcement and financial crime agencies as the country prepares for the eventual activation of integrated resort casino developments.

The move comes 16 years after the passage of the Casino Gaming Act in 2010, under which casinos are allowed to operate only within approved integrated resort developments.

The Casino Gaming Commission last week hosted a three-day training workshop in Kingston with Gaming Laboratories International, bringing together officials from the commission and partner agencies, including the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency, Financial Investigations Division and the Jamaica Customs Agency.

The workshop, dubbed GLI University, focused on casino licensing, slot machine engineering, forensic investigations and the mathematical calculations used to determine odds, payouts and profitability.

Speaking during the training last Wednesday, Casino Gaming Commission Chief Executive Officer Cleveland Allen said the exercise comes as Jamaica prepares to further diversify its tourism product through integrated resort developments.

“Given the commission’s mandate to establish and enforce a robust regulatory framework for casino gaming in Jamaica, this training comes at a critical time as we continue to strengthen our internal capacity and expand our team to meet the demands of the growing industry,” Allen said.

“As we build out our operations, it is important that our officers, as well as our partners, are exposed to international standards and best practices before the space becomes active,” he added.

Allen did not indicate when casino gaming operations could begin in Jamaica.

Projects previously linked to casino gaming include Harmony Cove, a multi billion-US-dollar luxury resort development proposed for Trelawny, and Celebration Jamaica, which has previously outlined plans for a major tourism and entertainment complex.

However, despite years of announcements and shifting timelines, no casino has yet become operational.

The involvement of agencies such as MOCA and the Financial Investigations Division in this week’s workshop points to the heightened regulatory scrutiny expected in the sector, particularly around anti-money laundering controls, organised crime prevention and financial system integrity.

Gaming Laboratories International, which has worked with Jamaican regulators and suppliers in the wider gaming industry, said the training is intended to help establish a credible and well-regulated market.

“We want to ensure that the market launches with high integrity, that the policies and regulations are clear, concise, honest, accurate and fair, and that the populace trusts that it’s well regulated,” said Matt Toler, one of the workshop facilitators.