Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission

🚨 DID YOU KNOW? Illegal Gaming Devices Can Lead to Prosecution🚨

The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act prohibits the possession and sale of gaming devices without the appropriate licence.

Recently, a St Catherine businessman was fined after pleading guilty to offences relating to the unlawful possession of gaming boxes.

The BGLC continues to work closely with law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of Jamaica’s gaming industry and encourage lawful, responsible gaming practices.

Members of the public are reminded to engage only with licensed gaming operators and suppliers.

Reposted from the Jamaica Gleaner Website:

"St Catherine businessman, Leroy Sharpe, on Friday pleaded guilty to two counts of selling gaming boxes without a licence and was fined $500,000 or three months’ imprisonment in the parish court.

Sharpe was charged under Section 43(a) of the BGLC Act with provision of technical services without a licence and under Section 45(a) of the BGLC Act with possession of gaming boxes without a licence.

Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle informed the court that the maximum fine was $500,000 on each count.

His attorney-at-law Donahue Martin argued that his client did not waste the court’s time and should benefit from a discount.

Sharpe was subsequently fined $250,000 on each count of possession.
The Crown offered no evidence on the charge of offering technical services, and he was freed on that count.

Facts outlined in court are that, acting on intelligence, police operatives attached to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Special Intelligence Branch conducted an operation in Old Harbour, St Catherine.

Sharpe was held by detectives while delivering the gaming boxes.
He was later formally interviewed and charged."

📰 Source: The Jamaica Gleaner https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20260523/st-catherine-businessman-fined-500000-over-illegal-gaming-boxes

✍🏽 Rasbert Turner

📢Please be advised that the BGLC office will close at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to facilitate internal works.

We apologize for any inconvenience this early closure may cause and thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Normal operations will resume on Friday, June 12, 2026. 💙💛

from
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The long awaited roll-out of the Betting Gaming & Lotteries Commission’s automated CENTRAL MONITORING SYSTEM to monitor gaming machines is to be welcomed and applauded by all Jamaicans!

Jamaica’s gaming machine sector is witnessing explosive growth, going from 15,000 boxes in 2021 to approximately 34,000 in 2026, making it unwise to continue with the ineffective manual monitoring system.

Jamaica is currently being assessed by the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for effectiveness of its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) monitoring regime overall but with a particular focus on the gaming machine sector given its explosive growth.

Jamaica currently has a FAILING GRADE for effectively monitoring the gaming machine sector. As a result, rapidly rolling out BGLC’c CENTRAL MONITORING SYSTEM will give Jamaica a big boast to get a passing grade.

Additionally, and of great significance, the legitimate operators of gaming machines will be able to have significantly better banking relationships, a big plus for their businesses!!

Thank you to the Chairman and the entire team at BGLC for fighting for an effective anti-money laundering regime for the gaming machine sector in Jamaica!

All of us benefit when Jamaica’s anti-money laundering regime is assessed as effective!🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

📢 Attention TSPs & Gaming Machine Operators!

We’re heading to Westmoreland! Join us for an important Stakeholder Meeting as we discuss key updates on the industry transition and other regulatory matters.

🗓️ June 13, 2026
⏰ 4:00 P.M.
📍 Hotel Commingle, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland

This is your opportunity to get clarity on new requirements and hear important industry updates.

We encourage all operators to be represented.

📧 [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: 876-316-8464