Participants from the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) and its partner agencies benefitted from an intensive three-day training workshop with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), dubbed GLI University, earlier this week.

The workshop was hosted in Kingston by the CGC, which has regulatory oversight of casinos operating within integrated resort developments (IRDs). Participants from the CGC’s key partner agencies, including the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC), Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), Financial Investigations Division (FID), and Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) also took part in the training.

Sessions focused on a range of topics related to the licensing, engineering and components of slot machines, as well as best practices for conducting forensic investigations. Participants also engaged in practical, hands-on sessions involving gaming machines and associated gaming equipment, with strong emphasis placed on the mathematical calculations used to determine odds, payouts and game profitability.

Speaking on Wednesday, CGC Chief Executive Officer Cleveland Allen highlighted that the training forms a vital part of the Commission’s capacity-building efforts as Jamaica prepares to further diversify its tourism product through Integrated Resort Developments.

“Given the Commission’s mandate to establish and enforce a robust regulatory framework for casino gaming in Jamaica, this training comes at a critical time as we continue to strengthen our internal capacity and expand our team to meet the demands of the growing industry,” Allen said.

“As we build out our operations, it is important that our officers, as well as our partners, are exposed to international standards and best practices before the space becomes active,” he added. “The feedback from the training has been very encouraging, and the participants have commended the practical relevance of the sessions and the high level of new insight gained.”

GLI has been a longstanding partner in Jamaica’s gaming industry, working with the BGLC as well as local suppliers to support the training in, and certification of, machines used in gaming lounges and lotteries. Their representatives expressed enthusiasm for Jamaica’s entry into the casino gaming space under the supervision of the CGC.

“The possibilities are endless for casino gaming in Jamaica, and what we’re doing right now is helping to build the correct foundation to lay the path for success,” said Matt Toler, one of two GLI facilitators leading the workshop.

“We want to ensure that the market launches with high integrity, that the policies and regulations are clear, concise, honest, accurate and fair, and that the populace trusts that it’s well regulated. GLI is happy to support that,” he added.

GLI is a globally recognised agency that has supported suppliers, regulators and operators within the gaming industry for 37 years, providing consulting, testing and certification services for land-based, online and lottery devices and systems.