Jamaica is to be positioned as the major player in the Caribbean gaming industry, according to the minister of tourism.

Edmund Bartlett said that the island is being viewed as an “important and interesting new market” in the region, and once all the regulations are in place “the industry will be of fundamental importance to our tourism product”.

“This will give us more than a fighting chance to compete with rival jurisdictions,” he added.

Earlier this month the seventh Caribbean Gaming Show and Summit was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Bartlett said that gaming has impacted positively on tourism in other countries, and Jamaica should be no exception.

Many Caribbean countries have introduced or are considering gaming, he said.

“It goes without saying that not only do we have to be introducing new games, we also have to be competitive.

“Our legislation will be seeking to advance our gaming to ensure that we are offering what is being offered around the world, and even better, so that we can attract more people, because tourism is our main industry.”

WIC News has contacted the opposition People’s National Party for comment.

Examine international gaming

Speaking at the gaming conference last week, the tourism minister said that it gave a better opportunity for players to better understand the island’s potential.

It also provides the opportunity to look at different proposals and ideas surrounding gaming as well as examine what is going on around the world.

“It also comes at a time when confidence among our tourism stakeholders here in Jamaica is at an all-time high and where optimism reigns supreme,” Bartlett said.

IMAGE: Edmund Bartlett, left, with Chairman of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission Clovis Metcalfe.

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