The Government has said that it intends to permit the licensing of casinos, although the Jamaican parliament has yet to receive and consider a bill that will set out the legislative and regulatory frameworks required.

The Prime Minister stated "we will ensure that best practices are observed and that only reputable companies with proven integrity are allowed to operate in Jamaica."

"It is our intention to dedicate the revenues from casino operations to a special fund to finance capital development in health, education and security," he added. Jamaica is saddled with significant national debt, and revenues from resort casino activities are clearly viewed as one route to financial security - particularly with the expected liberalisation of its neighbour, Cuba.

While the government is understood to have signed heads of agreements on proposals for major new resort investments that will involve licensed casino activities, Jamaican church leaders, including the heads of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, and of the Jamaican Association of Evangelicals have spoken strongly against allowing casinos.

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