The head of the Bahamian Gaming Board has called for locals to be allowed to gamble at the Caribbean islands’ four licensed casino venues after government officials admitted a drop in revenues from gaming taxes and voiced concerns about the future of the local tourism sector. Expanded gambling at tribal venues in Florida is likely only to add to the pressure.

Resort casinos are back on the political agenda for a number of Caribbean destinations, as fears about declining growth reinvigorate debate about the future direction of the tourist industry. The regional body CARICOM is highlighting labour issues, sustainability and global competitiveness as broader economic concerns in the process, but while opportunities could be on the horizon in Jamaica, the Revolution’s survival means that Cuban liberalisation could be several years off yet.

Although gambling remains illegal for the Bahamas’ local population, politicians have called for a referendum on whether to expand gambling across the country. In the meantime, the Our Lucaya casino has found a new owner following Isle of Capri’s decision to close down its operations in The Bahamas.

As the Jamaican government continues to progress slowly towards establishing a regulatory regime for three giant resort casinos on the Caribbean island, legal observers warn that critical issues of project oversight and player protection remain unresolved.

Bermuda looks set to legalise casinos after Premier Ewart Brown told islanders the decision on gambling could “determine our economic future”.

The Jamaican government is pushing for the passage of a law to legalize casinos. It will also amend existing legislation to introduce new licensing requirements, amend some tax provisions and increase penalties.

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has reassured local business groups that a government commission is being established to regulate casinos on the Caribbean island.

US gambling operator Harrah's Entertainment Inc. and Slovenia's Hit Group have suspended talks on construction of a €750m casino and entertainment park in western Slovenia, citing contractual differences. The decision comes despite changes to Slovenia’s gambling taxation regime specifically to accommodate the project.

The Prime Minister of Grenada has pledged to bar plans for a casino as part of a major project to attract more tourism to the island’s capital, but proposals for casino gambling in Jamaica are said to be on track for approval early this year.

Jamaica’s House of Representatives will today resume debate on government-backed plans to authorise high-end resort casinos and liberalise sports-betting activities on the island.