Payment in gambling (Jamaica)

Payment methods: bank cards, cryptocurrencies, mobile transfers (Jamaica)

1) Market picture: who regulates and where you pay

Ground betting, gaming halls and lotteries are regulated by the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC) (age 18 +, code of responsible play, AML supervision for gaming halls). For casinos, IRD resorts include a separate regulator Casino Gaming Commission (CGC).

For most players, the entry point to legal payments today is the Supreme Ventures/JustBet retail network (betting/lotteries) and licensed gaming lounges: they accept cash and, where available, bank cards/terminals, and also offer digital brand services.

2) Bank cards: a familiar way, but with nuances

Visa/Mastercard (debit/credit) - standard for POS payments in Jamaica; according to the Bank of Jamaica, POS transactions are growing steadily (see Payment Systems Statistics). For betting and lotteries, cards are most often used at retail outlets under a BGLC/operator license.

The owner of credit cards among the adult population is a low share (about 12% in 2021), so debit cards and cash remain critical channels.

Memo: the bank/acquirer can limit MCC transactions for gambling activities - focus on the operator's official points of sale (they are built into the local ecosystem and undergo AML control by BGLC).

3) Bank transfers: JamClear® and "classics"

Country payment infrastructure - JamClear® RTGS/ACH managed by the Bank of Jamaica; transfers between banks and payment for services (including business operators) pass through it. In gambling, this is a top-up/payout format, when the operator offers non-cash options (depending on the specific company).

Practically: to replenish the game account in the Supreme Ventures ecosystem, players use branded channels and an offline network (see JustBet). Details on "how to replenish" are published by the operator himself in his sections/applications.

4) Mobile wallets and digital currency JAM-DEX

JAM-DEX is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) officially launched by the Bank of Jamaica in 2022; access is through licensed wallet providers (the BOJ website indicates the expansion of the provider pool, e.g. JN Bank as a "new provider").

BOJ keeps statistics on payment systems (POS/ABM/RTGS), and also develops the CBDC ecosystem - materials, FAQs and a list of merchants accepting JAM-DEX are published on the CBDC page. Use in gambling depends on whether a specific licensed operator has connected such a method within the local AML/KYC rules.

Practical benefits of JAM-DEX/wallets for players: fast micropayments without card scheme fees, convenience of top-ups at retail outlets and potential integration into operators' cash desks (as soon as they announce support).

5) Cryptocurrencies: not a legal means of payment and outside the perimeter of regulators

The Bank of Jamaica explicitly warns: cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Jamaica and are not regulated/supervised by the central bank; users are reminded of the risks.

Review legal analytics also note the absence of a special law on crypto assets; qualification and supervision depend on whether the token falls under the banking/securities (case-by-case). For gambling payments, this means legal uncertainty and increased AML risks.

Conclusion for the player: if the site offers a deposit in cryptocurrency, this is usually not a locally licensed operator. Risks - lack of regulatory protection, complicated returns and disputes. BGLC regularly warns about rates at unlicensed venues.

6) What players are choosing "right now"

Offline payment (cash/card) at licensed Supreme Ventures/JustBet points and gaming halls is the most predictable and compliant path.

Mobile/digital channels are gradually expanding (operator applications; CBDC wallets at merchants). Always consult your licensed operator for a specific list of available methods.

7) AML/Responsible Play: What the Payer Will Demand

Licensed operators are subject to AML/CFT supervision (for halls - BGLC; for IRD casino - CGC as "competent authority"). Be prepared for KYC checks on non-cash deposits/payments and transaction limits.

Only 18 +. BGLC emphasizes the age threshold and rules of responsible play for all providers.

8) Quick practice guide

1. Keep your local bank debit card handy; cash is still universally accepted.

2. Make sure that the point is in the BGLC registry (licenses are posted, there is an 18 + mark).

1. See the operator's official applications (Supreme Ventures/JustBet) and How to top up sections.

2. Find out if your point/operator supports JAM-DEX or a partner wallet - BOJ publishes a list of merchants and providers.

• deposits on unlicensed/" offshore" sites and crypto payments outside the legal field of Jamaica: no protection, high AML risk.

Today, the "working troika" of payment methods in legal Jamaican gambling are cash/cards in licensed retail, bank transfers on local rails and mobile wallets/CBDC JAM-DEX where they have already been connected. Cryptocurrencies in the country are not legal tender, and therefore are associated with legal and consumer risks. For safe play, rely on the BGLC registry, official operator channels and sound AML/KYC procedures.

Status as of material date: October 10, 2025 (Europe/Kyiv).