By Garwin Davis, Assistant News EditorIN AN attempt to maximise the earning potential of the gaming industry, the Government will be embarking on a programme to ensure that gambling activities across the island are properly monitored and regulated.
According to Information Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman, this will not only see the "proper registration and licensing of entities engaged in gaming", but will also greatly assist the Government in collecting its take from the industry.
"Total annual sale recorded in the gaming industry for 2002 were $17.4 billion with the Consolidated Fund receiving just under $1 billion in revenues," Mr. Whiteman told reporters at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday. "Further work is to be done to ensure that the industry is properly regulated and monitored as well as for the collecting of fees and other sums due to the Government."
The Minister singled out the horse racing industry as the entity which, he said, has demonstrated the most potential, noting that it has consistently demonstrated a level of profitability and dependability for the country.
"The fact is that for a long time now, the proceeds from the horse racing industry has been of great value to the country," Mr. Whiteman added. "Not only in terms of revenue to the Consolidated Fund, but also in terms of the employment and the spin-off it has been able to generate."
Asked whether the Government's less than subtle appreciation for the gaming sector could be viewed as a precursor to the introduction of casino gambling, Mr. Whiteman was firm in his response. "No inferences as such should be drawn," he said. "In fact, this is not even a preamble to the full examination of the prospect of casino gaming - no, not at all. These plans for the gaming industry were decided on way before that meeting in Montego Bay with the private sector - this should be seen as just part of the normal review of what is happening within the economy."
The Government, under pressure for years from casino lobbyists, last month promised private sector leaders at a meeting in Montego Bay that it would revisit casino gambling. Advocates have long maintained that having the casinos would be an added attraction to the gaming sector and a major income earner for the country.
Mr. Whiteman was, however, quick to point out that the Government was in no way downplaying the negatives that come along with the gaming sector. "I don't want you to think that there is no consideration for the social effects of gambling, as well as the need to protect our minors," he said. "There are serious concerns such as the protection of our citizens - the protection of the vulnerable - we have to insist that the age limitations in places where betting takes place are respected and observed."
He noted that in addition to the strengthening of the horse racing industry, the Government would, through improved legislation, education and enforcement, ensure that the proper mechanisms are in place to protect minors.
