BGLC ‘vindicated’ in lottery permit process – Evans
Published:Friday | May 8, 2020 | 12:25 AMPaul Clarke/Gleaner Writer
An application earlier this year by Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Limited (MGEL) has not benefited from any preferential treatment by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC).
That was the finding of ex-commissioner of the Integrity Commission and former contractor general, Derrick McKoy, in a final report of the Independent Review of the Lottery Licensing Process of the BGLC, a copy of which was obtained by The Gleaner.
Vitus Evans, executive director of the BGLC, said that he is pleased that the commission has been vindicated.
“There were some comments in the media that questioned the process of lottery application and even some allegations of conflict of interest. So obviously, I am happy to be getting this final report that not only praised what we are doing, but also looked at the improvements that we have actually put in place in terms of transparency, accountability, and fair process,” Evans said.
McKoy said that he had “no reason to believe that anyone on the commission is in a position of a conflict of interest when considering the application by Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Limited for a lottery licence”.
The findings offer hope for the entrance of Jamaica’s third lottery provider and further competition for Supreme Ventures Limited, which has enjoyed almost total dominance of the gaming sector on the island since its inception.
“I have reviewed the application submitted by Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Limited, and to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the application is responsive to the requirements of the BGLC,” McKoy said in the report.
He further stated that the application by MGEL and the treatment of the application are consistent with BGLC policies and the relevant laws and regulations.
Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Limited is owned by Jamaicans Paul B. Scott and Lisa Harris. The company is seeking to join Supreme Ventures as operators of national lotteries in Jamaica.
Concerns have been raised about the process by which consideration has been given, and/or is being given, by the BGLC in respect of this application.
McKoy said that the commission understood that in respect of any application, the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act gives the BGLC the authority to “ ... grant or refuse the licence, permit, approval, or authority”.
“The commission considered this to be a substantial responsibility. It is also the commission’s view that there is a strong public interest in ensuring that this responsibility is discharged fairly, diligently, consistently, transparently, and in keeping with relevant policies, regulations and laws,” he said.
McKoy also stated that he reviewed the application submitted by MGEL.
“The application by Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Limited and the treatment of the application are consistent with the BGLC policies and the relevant laws and regulations,” he said.
The report further stated that under the current procedure, the BGLC management engages in gathering the requisite information for the final report of Independent Review of the BGLC presentation to the BGLC board for its consideration and approval.
“In other words, the BGLC’s management’s role is purely administrative and facilitative of the decision-making and approval responsibilities of the BGLC’s board,” stated McKoy.
“I am not able to say, [however], if this approach is consistent with the role of past members of the BGLC and whether former members of the management team exercised a more direct and participatory role in the licensing process.
“In my opinion, the current practice is desirable and is what is required as the act puts the licensing function in the hands of the commission, which must be understood to mean the board of commissioners,” McKoy said.