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Jamaica’s gambling regulator, the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission, BGLC, is warning the public on the illegality of placing bets with bookmakers that are not licensed to operate in Jamaica, and the attendant risks with such wagers.
The regulator says only bookmakers and gaming operators that have been duly licensed and authorised by the BGLC are permitted to accept bets from people located within the country.
The BGLC says the global trend towards online gambling has posed significant challenges for gaming regulators, many of whom are still grappling with effective ways to oversee and control these activities. This advisory is about reminding the public that betting with unlicensed operators is illegal and unsafe.
“Engaging in betting activities with unlicensed operators – whether online or otherwise – violates the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act and can expose individuals to significant risks, including the loss of funds with no legal recourse, unfair or rigged games, exposure to fraudulent activity or identity theft, and a lack of responsible gaming safeguards,” the gambling regulator said.
BGLC Director of Enforcement Noel Bacquie says there is no estimate of the size of the illegal gaming market, but that it presents a big challenge, given the many unknown things about an underground market.
“Irrespective of the size, it has the ability to hurt licensed operators, reduce tax revenues, and put players at risk,” the enforcement director said, adding that illegal betting drains money from the Jamaican economy, undermines fair competition, and puts players in a space where they have no legal protection.
BGLC Executive Director Vitus Evans acknowledged that with the shift to online gaming, there is a need to look at advancing the legislative framework to properly recognise and address the increasingly tech-driven nature of gaming and the various impacts of that shift.
“More young people are involved in online gaming. It is therefore about how we look at unlicensed companies offering the same services of those registered in our jurisdiction,” Evans said, adding there is revenue leakage, given the number of local Jamaicans who actually bet on unauthorised sites.
Bacquie says while the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act does not contain explicit provisions addressing online gaming, it grants the BGLC broad authority to regulate and oversee betting, gaming and lottery operations in Jamaica.
“In line with this mandate, the commission has currently authorised three licensees to offer online gaming services, pending the development of a comprehensive legislative framework for online gambling,” he said.
Bacquie said the legislation governing the merger of the Jamaica Racing Commission, JRC, the Casino Gaming Commission, CGC, and BGLC will include provisions for the regulation and oversight of online and interactive gaming activities.
Government has been attempting to merge the three entities for over a decade. The legislation has been making its way through the various channels and is said to be with the chief parliamentary counsel, who has already received drafting instructions.
In the absence of legislation, Bacquie said the BGLC will continue to monitor, investigate and work with other agencies to assist with the commission’s regulatory efforts. At the same time, he added, public awareness was critical to the process.
“If players stick to licensed operators, they protect themselves and the industry,” Bacquie said.
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