Gaming lounges get green light
Published:Wednesday | July 8, 2020 | 12:22 AM
Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke has given gaming lounges the go-ahead to resume operations today.
“This decision comes following the development and publication of COVID-19 reopening and operating protocols by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, in consultation with the gaming lounge operators,” Clarke told the House of Representatives yesterday.
“The protocols have been reviewed by the Ministry of Health & Wellness and received no objection from the public health authorities,” he added.
The minister said the protocols were approved a week ago, but the Government was waiting for other segments of the economy to reopen before the announcement. The move follows the clearance for the reopening of cinemas and theatres as of Sunday.
Clarke noted that gaming lounges represent the last segment of Jamaica’s gambling industry to reopen and that they make a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
At the end of the last fiscal year, gaming lounges contributed $490 million of direct revenue to the Government, outside of pay-as-you-earn deductions and general consumption contributions.