BGLA-1965 (Jamaica)

Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act (1965): What's Important to Know

1) What is this law and from what moment it is valid

The BGLA is Jamaica's basic law that "provides for the regulation of betting, gaming and lotteries and the issues involved." Operating date - January 1, 1966; the law has been repeatedly adjusted (the latest consolidation on the portal of the Ministry of Justice notes changes until 2016).

In parallel with the BGLA, the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC) was created - an independent statutory regulator (since 1975), which licenses, controls and develops the sector, protecting players from illegal practices.

2) Historical context and connection with other acts

The BGLA replaced earlier, restrictive norms and was largely inspired by British regulatory models of the 1960s. Later, significant amendments were adopted to it (including reforms 2010 and 2014), and Casino Gaming Act 2010 singled out the casino in a separate, specialized mode through the Integrated Resort Development (IRD) model.

3) Scope of regulation: what falls under the BGLA

The law covers three major areas:

Betting - including betting and betting;
Gaming (games) - gaming devices/halls, gaming clubs, bingo, etc.;
Lotteries are public/private lottery products.
The text contains basic definitions, permitted formats and what is considered illegal (for example, receiving bets without a license).

4) Licensing and permits

BGLA describes who and how can get:

bookmaker licenses and permits to accept bets;
licenses for the operation of slot machines and prescribed premises (gaming lounges);
lottery promoter licenses and group/retail permits for distribution.
BGLC administers the process: collects applications, checks "fit-and-proper," conducts supervision and can suspend/revoke licenses in case of violations.

5) Key operator responsibilities

work only within the framework of the issued type of license and approved premises;

comply with the rules of reporting and payment of fees/duties;
adhere to the established requirements for advertising and promotion (the regulator regularly consults on updating the rules of promo);

comply with the instructions of the BGLC inspectors and allow inspections.

6) Violations and liability

BGLA establishes the composition of offenses (unlicensed activity, violation of license conditions, etc.) and sanctions - from fines to license revocation; mechanisms for checking rates and transactions are applied, including among bookmakers.

7) Evolution: Important Amendments 2010 and 2014

2010 amendments. The "big purge" and modernization of BGLA norms began; the regulator issued detailed clarifications on the new order.

2014 amendments. Strengthened BGLC supervision, closed gaps after the 2010 reforms, updated duties and fees, clarified staff statuses and requirements for operators - in order to improve revenue administration and "tighten" local control.

💡 Important: casinos after 2010 are regulated by a separate law - Casino Gaming Act, with its own regulator (Casino Gaming Commission) and IRD mode; regular betting, lotteries and gambling halls remain under the BGLA.

8) Current status and application practices

An up-to-date version and PDF text of BGLA are available on the official portal of the Ministry of Justice; the card contains the operating date 1966 and information about the latest changes (until 2016). For business - regular campaigns to renew licenses and public notifications from BGLC.

9) Who benefits from knowing BGLA and how to use it

Operators - in order to correctly select the type of license (bookmaker, lotto, slot machines/halls), prepare a "fit-and-proper" package and set up reporting.

Investors - to understand the border between the BGLA and Casino Gaming Act zones (separate IRD requirements).

Marketers and retail - so as not to violate advertising norms and conditions for the placement of points/terminals.

Lawyers and compliance officers - to set up internal policies, take into account amendments 2010/2014 and track future updates.

BGLA-1965 is the "skeleton" of the entire non-treasury part of gambling in Jamaica: it sets the categories of activity, licensing system, supervision and basic rules of responsibility. With the reforms of 2010-2014, the law became more technologically advanced and manageable, and casino issues were introduced into a separate act of 2010. Any project in betting, lotteries and gaming halls begins with compliance with the BGLA.

Where to read primary sources:

Text and card of the law on the portal of the Ministry of Justice of Jamaica (including PDF).
BGLC pages: overview of legislation and background material on the 2010/2014 amendments.
For contrast on casino - map and materials Casino Gaming Act/Casino Gaming Commission.