Jamaica has issued its first casino gaming operator’s licence, clearing the way for regulated casino gambling to begin on the island after more than a decade of legislative preparation. The historic licence has been awarded to Adamas Grand Casino Limited for a casino at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort in Green Island, Hanover.
A landmark decision
The Casino Gaming Commission announced the decision on Wednesday, 29 July, describing it as the formal beginning of Jamaica’s regulated casino industry.
Adamas Grand Casino will operate under a management agreement with Grupo Orenes, a Spanish gaming and hospitality company with established casino operations in Spain, Mexico and Andorra.
The licence was granted following an extensive review of the applicant’s ownership structure, financial position, integrity and ability to manage the proposed operation. The Commission said the assessment was conducted under the requirements of Jamaica’s Casino Gaming Act.
Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams welcomed the decision, saying it reflects Jamaica’s continued progress in building a modern economy supported by strong institutions and transparent regulation.
She stressed that casino operators would be subject to the same anti-money laundering and beneficial ownership requirements applied throughout the country’s financial sector.
Casino forms part of wider resort
Jamaica’s approach differs from destinations built around stand-alone casinos. Under the country’s regulatory framework, full casino operations are permitted only within approved integrated resort developments combining hotels, entertainment, restaurants and other tourism facilities.
The Adamas casino will therefore operate as part of the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort rather than as an independent gambling venue.
The wider Princess development represents an investment of approximately US$800m in Jamaica’s tourism sector. The Government expects it to support hundreds of temporary and permanent jobs, increase local purchasing and attract higher-spending international visitors.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has stressed that Jamaica does not intend to reposition itself primarily as a casino destination. Instead, regulated gaming is expected to complement the island’s established tourism offering.
At least three other potential integrated resort investors have reportedly expressed interest in obtaining casino licences, including the proposed Hard Rock Hotel development in St James.
Strict conditions remain
Receiving the licence does not mean the casino can open immediately. Adamas must first complete several pre-operational requirements, including approved internal controls, surveillance systems and technical integration with the Commission’s Gaming Management Information System.
The operator must also establish anti-money laundering controls, counter-terrorism financing procedures, responsible gaming safeguards and player-protection programmes.
Princess hopes to begin casino operations before Jamaica’s peak winter tourism season, potentially during the final quarter of 2026. However, the licence gives the operator until 31 March 2027 to satisfy the remaining regulatory requirements and commence operations.
The Commission has partnered with RISE Life Management, with support from the Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario, to develop training, self-exclusion measures and support programmes intended to reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.
The first licence represents both an economic opportunity and a major regulatory test. Jamaica must now demonstrate that casino investment can create employment, tourism revenue and local business opportunities without weakening financial safeguards or exposing vulnerable residents to unacceptable harm.
How the first operation is supervised will influence public confidence and determine whether additional integrated casino resorts become a lasting part of Jamaica’s tourism economy.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 2 August 2026
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