Jamaica legalizes casinos
May 12, 2010
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Companies seeking a license must invest a minimum of $1.5 billion and build a 2,000-room hotel
Jamaica has legalized casinos after a nearly yearlong debate that drew fierce opposition from religious groups.
Information Minister Daryl Vaz says the legislation allows the government to create a Casino Gaming Commission to grant licenses.
The island's deputy governor-general signed the bill this week because Gov. General Sir Patrick Allen was on vacation.
Allen is a former leader of a Seventh-Day Adventist Church and opposed the bill.
Jamaica currently has a few hundred slot machines at hotels in the capital of Kingston and tourist areas.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding has said that companies seeking a gambling license need to invest a minimum of $1.5 billion and build a hotel with at least 2,000 rooms.
Jamaica has legalized casinos after a nearly yearlong debate that drew fierce opposition from religious groups.
Information Minister Daryl Vaz says the legislation allows the government to create a Casino Gaming Commission to grant licenses.
The island's deputy governor-general signed the bill this week because Gov. General Sir Patrick Allen was on vacation.
Allen is a former leader of a Seventh-Day Adventist Church and opposed the bill.
Jamaica currently has a few hundred slot machines at hotels in the capital of Kingston and tourist areas.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding has said that companies seeking a gambling license need to invest a minimum of $1.5 billion and build a hotel with at least 2,000 rooms.
