Jamaica vs DR vs Cuba

Difference from Dominican Republic and Cuba (Jamaica)

1) Legal foundation

Jamaica. Two supports: BGLA-1965 (bets, lotteries, gaming halls) + Casino Gaming Act 2010 (casino only as part of Integrated Resort Development, IRD).

Dominican Republic. The current model of "classic" casinos (historical base - Ley 351/1964 and subsequent decrees/regulations), casinos are distributed among resorts and large cities.

Cuba. Casinos have been banned since the 1959 revolution; the tourist model develops without legal casinos.

2) Who regulates

Jamaica.

BGLC: betting, lotteries, gaming lounges, AML/responsible game.

Casino Gaming Commission: exclusively IRD casino.

DR. Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar under the Ministry of Finance (or Tourism; depends on the current structure) oversees casino/games.

Cuba. There is no specialized casino regulator: the sphere as such is absent, the tourism sector is supervised by sectoral ministries.

3) Offline architecture

Jamaica. Before the launch of the first IRD casinos (Princess Grand Jamaica → then Hard Rock Montego Bay), gaming lounges/slot halls operate under BGLC licenses; "real" casinos are only possible inside an approved IRD.

DR. A wide network of casinos in all-inclusive hotels and cities (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, etc.); it's been part of a tourism product for decades.

Cuba. There is no casino; entertainment - shows, bar and cultural program, excursions, historical objects and beach holidays.

4) Online segment

Jamaica. Online casinos as a separate vertical are not provided outside the IRD model; remote channels at locally licensed operators are possible for betting/lotteries (within BGLA and BGLC rules).

DR. Online activity is formally in the regulatory field (bookmakers/lotteries), but actual practice is mixed; offshores are noticeable.

Cuba. Online gambling is not legalized; access to offshore companies is outside the legal field.

5) Taxes and fees (schematic)

Jamaica. Focus on GGR-levi by verticals (gaming salons, sports bets), BGLC licenses; for IRD casinos - separate requirements and licensing of CGC.

DR. Licensing fees and taxes for casinos/gaming halls are a significant part of the budget revenues of tourist areas.

Cuba. Income from tourism is formed by other channels (hotels, packages, state-owned companies), there are no game taxes.

6) Tourism and positioning

Jamaica. Bets on premium IRD casinos as an anchor for highly profitable tourism; while tourists play gaming lounges near hotels.

DR. "All-inclusive + casino" is an established format; low threshold for the player: casino "within walking distance" of the room.

Cuba. Cultural and beach tourism without gambling; emphasis on heritage, nature and events.

7) Compliance and social policy

Jamaica. Strong emphasis on AML/CFT (BGLC as competent authority), code of responsible play (18 +), digitalization of supervision (GMIS).

DR. Long practice of industry oversight; responsible game standards depend on the specific operator and current regulations.

Cuba. The lack of a market removes issues of gambling compliance; social policy in tourism focuses elsewhere.

8) What it means for the investor and the player

Investor.

Jamaica: high entrance (IRD, capital capacity, BGLC/CGC dual-circuit supervision) → "more expensive, but more status."

DR: A mature market with a large casino presence → scale faster, but competition is high.

Cuba: no casino model - look for other formats (hotels, F&B, events).

Player/tourist.

Jamaica: before the opening of the IRD game - in licensed gaming lounges; then there will be casinos inside the resorts.

DR: the usual bunch of "resort + casino."

Cuba: casinos are not provided, count on alternative entertainment.

Short conclusion

The main difference between Jamaica is the strict IRD model: casinos are allowed only inside large integrated resorts, with strict compliance and a "tourist" focus.

The Dominican Republic has been an open and mature "casino ecosystem" throughout the country since the 1960s.

Cuba is a complete ban on casinos: tourist products are built on culture and beach vacations without a gambling component.