Guyana gambling regulations still not formed 18 June 2007 International News Brief: Exactly five months after the Guyana government used its majority to rush an amendment to legalise casino gambling through Parliament, the regulations to govern the operationalising of casinos are still to be formulated. Read more Guyana passes casino bill. Gambling is legal and regulated in Guyana since the Gambling Prevention Act of 1902 (this act was amended a couple times since its issuing, most recently in 2007). There is only one casino operating in the country at the moment offering the most popular games like roulette, poker, and blackjack to name a few. Best Casino Hotels in Guyana on Tripadvisor: Find 219 traveler reviews, 170 candid photos, and prices for casino hotels in Guyana, South America.
I support the argument that gambling in Guyana is a benefit to the society. When I say gambling, I refer to legal gambling. I acknowledge that gambling can become an addictive activity on a personal basis and can lead one to bankruptcy. At the same time I believe that Guyanese should be given the freedom of choice to determine how they spend their money and what decisions are best for them. Some argue that gambling is bad for our society since it makes one addicted to it as with drugs.
I totally disagree since unlike drugs, gambling is not physically but is physiologically addictive.
The Guyana lottery, established in 1997, is deemed a legal form of gambling by the laws of Guyana. The lottery involves playing various games of chance with the hope of earning fast tax free cash. In an interview with Tracey Lewis, the lottery company’s general manager, she stated that the company provides direct employment for 34 persons and business opportunities for approximately 80 retail agents.
She also stated that the company has earned over $4. 5 billion in revenue for our country to date. From the facts given, can one really argue that a company that has done so much and is continuing to do much more is not beneficial for Guyana?
I highly doubt that since this company has made it possible for many Guyanese to be employed and also has donated significantly to our already struggling economy. The Gambling Prevention Law which was amended in 2007 legalized the establishment of casinos locally. The Casino provides a means of employment to many Guyanese and also is a source of revenue since the Casino owners are compelled to pay tax. The Casino Act states that the only people who can gamble at the casino are international tourists and locals who are guests at the hotel. One may argue that gambling in casinos will make more Guyanese bankrupt.
This can easily be refuted since the legislation only permit locals staying at the hotels to access the facility. In an interview with a receptionist at the Princess Hotel in Guyana, she claimed that about 99% of the guests at the hotel were foreigners. This clearly shows that it is highly unlikely that locals will become bankrupt from gambling at the casino since they are not usually guests there. The legislation permits only gambling in newly built hotels with a minimum of 250 rooms. Thus, this opened the doors for foreign investors to invest in new hotels here which will in turn create employment opportunities.
How can providing employment, tourism and revenue via a legal means be considered harmful to Guyana? In conclusion, legal gambling is greatly needed in a country like Guyana which is considered a third world country. According to www. cia. gov, Guyana has a debt of USD$1. 234 billion. Thus, legal gambling is a source of earning foreign currency which in turn can assist in settling our debts and developing our country. These are a few reasons why I support the argument that gambling in Guyana is a benefit to our society.
Only behind Suriname, French Guiana, and Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) as the smallest country in South America—by population, Guyana stands its tourist-friendly ground with the help of its dense rainforest, Caribbean culture, British colonial architecture, and calypso music. Somehow gambling found its way in Guyana way too early, but—unfortunately—gambling is not as massive as you would expect.
History of Casinos in Guyana
Initially, Guyana was three individual regions: Essequibo, Berbice, and Demerara. The Dutch colonized the regions separately in 1616, 1627, and 1752 respectively. In 1796, the British took control of the regions, while the Dutch left in 1814. Guyana was controlled by the British Empire during those years and the administration later united the regions and renamed it the British Guiana in 1831. As a united country, Guyana gained full independence on 26 May 1966. On 23 February 1970, the British Guiana officially became the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
However, gambling has been in the country even before independence. An executive act known as the Gambling Prevention Act became effective as far back as 1902. The Act has been modified a surprising number of times, and the most recent modification was in 2007.
The 2007 modification resulted in the creation of the Gaming Authority, which is in charge of how casinos are run in Guyana. Gambling is generally unimpressive in Guyana. First, Guyanese natives are not allowed to enter the casinos. Second, the whole country can only have three casinos. Third, there are only two casinos in the whole country.
Summarily, the country is amazing and gambling is historical, but its gambling industry is tiny and governed by strict rules.
Current Gambling Climate
Although Guyana is a pleasant and fascinating country, its gambling scene is nothing to write home about. If you happen to be in Guyana at any time, you can enjoy limited options at the Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino or the Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino. Or, alternatively, you can visit online casinos to gamble on the go.
Gambling and casinos are legal, licensed and regulated according to the Gambling Prevention Act and by the Guyana Gaming Authority. Further, Guyana is one of the most inviting countries in the world and the atmosphere is amazing. But, as discussed earlier, gambling is particularly mediocre in Guyana.
Casinos in Guyana by Area
Well, the whole country offers two casinos. So, one might assume that the largest casino — Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino — is located in the country’s capital, Georgetown. In contrast, the casino is located in Providence, a community just 10km away from Georgetown. Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino offers between 250 and 300 gaming machines, and 16 table games.
Meanwhile, the Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino is located in Georgetown. Established in 2016, the casino is not as big as the Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino. They currently have just 35 rooms but under renovation, so more rooms and luxury are promised.
Types of Casinos in Guyana
Since there are just two casinos in the country, variety is not so present. However, the Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino offers slot machines, blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, three-card poker, and some other games and machines. In addition to traditional casino activities, the casino offers Princess Bet — which allows players to bet on sports events (such as football, ice hockey, and cricket). The casino is part of a 4-star hostel in Georgetown with 191 luxury rooms.
The Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino, on the other hand, is still new and currently under renovation. They offer blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and poker.
Further, the country does not have a racetrack or racino, but there is a lottery. The Guyana Lottery Company is a lottery provider provided by a Canadian security printing company called the Canadian Bank Note Company. The lottery has headquarters in Lamaha Street of Georgetown. Games such as Lucky 3, Lotto Supa 6, and Daily Millions are provided by the Guyana Lottery Company.
Online gambling, on the other hand, is technically legal but not regulated. Therefore, Guyanese and visitors of Guyana can visit foreign websites to gamble on casino activities, bingo, poker, sports betting, and lottery.
List of Casinos in Guyana
Below is a list of all casinos currently operating in the regions of Guyana.
Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino
Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino
Facts About Casinos in Guyana
– In Guyana, the minimum gambling age is 18 years.
– According to the Gambling Prevention Act, Guyana can only have three casinos. Currently, there are two casinos in the country.
– In 2014, Paul James—a prominent Guyanese businessman—sued the Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino to court for allowing locals to enter the casino, which is a breach of the law.
– Guyanese natives are restricted from gambling at casinos, so they have to lodge into the hotels and pretend to be visitors in order to enter the casinos.
– The first casino in Guyana — Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino — was established in 2010. The second casino — Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino — was established in 2016.
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– Upon launch, the Guyana Princess Hotel and Casino employed 130 Guyanese.
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– In Guyana, a casino is required to be housed in hotels or resorts with 150 or more rooms.
– The official language of Guyana is English. Additionally, Carib, Spanish, and Portuguese are popular.
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