Tourism interests welcome Senate approval of casino law

The island’s tourism interests have welcomed the passing of the casino gaming regulations by the Senate on Friday, noting that it is a step in the right direction for the island’s tourism product.

The Upper House approved the casino regulations at the start of the weekend, paving the way for entities to apply for licences which will allow casino gambling in resorts.

In welcoming the move, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Evelyn Smith, said her organization was awaiting details on how the new regulations would be implemented.

During Friday’s sitting of the senate, Government Senator Noel Sloley said the island was losing its competitive ground in tourism and argued for the need to introduce integrated gaming facilities as a lucrative way of diversifying the tourism product and attracting investment.