Jamaica casinos today are mostly gaming lounges built around slot machines and electronic games, but the island is about to get its first full casino: Jamaica issued its first casino licence in July 2026 for the Princess Grand Jamaica resort in Hanover, which is aiming to open its casino by the end of 2026. The island also has licensed sports betting, horse racing and lottery games. Gambling is legal for adults 18 and over and is regulated by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), with full casinos overseen by a separate Casino Gaming Commission.
Gambling laws in Jamaica
Most gambling in Jamaica falls under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, administered by the BGLC. The commission issues licences and permits for gaming machines and the premises that house them, bookmakers, lotteries, bingo and raffles, and prize competitions. Horse racing is overseen by the Jamaica Racing Commission.
Full casinos with live table games come under a separate law, the Casino Gaming Act of 2010, which ties casino licences to large integrated resort developments and is administered by the Casino Gaming Commission. None of the resorts approved in the early years were built, and the law was amended in 2021 to make the licence conditions less onerous.
Where to gamble in Jamaica
Gaming lounges
Gaming lounges are the most common type of venue. They are licensed by the BGLC as gaming machine premises and focus on slot machines and other electronic games.
Princess Grand Jamaica casino
In July 2026 the Casino Gaming Commission issued Jamaica’s first casino operator’s licence to Adamas Grand Casino Limited for the casino at the Princess Grand Jamaica resort in Green Island, Hanover, near Negril. The resort is targeting an opening by the end of 2026, and the licence gives it until March 31, 2027 to meet all requirements and start operating. Other integrated resort projects, including a proposed Hard Rock development at Rose Hall in St. James, have expressed interest in casino licences. Check with the resort that the casino is open before you plan a trip around it.
Sports betting and horse racing
Sports betting is legal through licensed bookmakers. Horse racing takes place at Caymanas Park in St. Catherine, near Kingston, which is Jamaica’s racetrack and holds race meetings throughout the year.
Lottery
Licensed lottery games are sold at retail outlets across Jamaica and are among the most widely played forms of gambling on the island.
Online gambling in Jamaica
Jamaica’s licensing system covers operators based in Jamaica. Offshore online gambling sites are not licensed by the BGLC, so players who use them get none of the protections that come with a Jamaican licence.
Learn the games before you go
Slots and electronic games are the main attraction in Jamaican gaming lounges. If you plan to play table games too, our guides to blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, video poker and craps explain the rules and the best bets.
Jamaica gambling FAQ
What is the gambling age in Jamaica?
18.
Are there casinos in Jamaica?
Gaming lounges with slots and electronic games are found across the island. Jamaica’s first full casino, at the Princess Grand Jamaica resort in Hanover, was licensed in July 2026 and is aiming to open by the end of 2026.
Who regulates gambling in Jamaica?
The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission regulates gaming lounges, betting and lottery. The Casino Gaming Commission regulates full casinos under the Casino Gaming Act.
Looking for more Caribbean and nearby destinations? See our guides to Bahamas casinos, Dominican Republic casinos and Central American casinos.
Gambling in Jamaica is for adults 18 and over. Gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and set limits before you play. US readers can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.