Online bingo is technically legal in Jamaica under the Betting Gaming & Lotteries Act (BGLA), which was amended in 2014 to legalize online gambling (1). However, the regulatory framework creates a paradoxical situation where online gambling is legalized as an industry, but Jamaican residents are not officially permitted to participate in locally licensed online casinos offering bingo games. This legal grey area means that while the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC) has issued licenses for online platforms, no officially licensed operators currently offer online bingo exclusively to Jamaican residents (1).
Jamaican residents can legally access offshore online bingo platforms operated by internationally licensed companies, though these are not regulated by local authorities (2). The BGLC currently oversees land-based bingo through charitable organizations and has established licensing frameworks for religious, charitable, educational, and cultural fundraising bingo events. Players must be at least 18 years old and follow strict protocols including filing applications with a ten-thousand dollar fee and providing proof of charitable purpose (2). The government is actively working to develop comprehensive online gambling regulations and plans to establish a unified Jamaica Gaming Commission to streamline regulatory oversight.
"Online gambling is legalised since 2014. However, the choices of local actors remain severely limited, whereas an increasing number of Jamaicans believe that foreign-based sites are quite good."
While authorities do not actively punish Jamaican residents who participate in offshore online bingo, the activity remains in a legal grey area without formal consumer protections from local authorities (1). Players are advised to use reputable offshore operators licensed by recognized jurisdictions such as Malta or the United Kingdom to ensure financial security and fair play. The BGLC is currently drafting comprehensive legislation to establish a robust licensing regime for interactive gambling, which should clarify the status of online bingo for residents. Once this legislation is finalized and the Jamaica Gaming Commission consolidates all regulatory bodies, Jamaicans can expect clearer rules, better operator oversight, and enhanced player protections for online bingo and other gaming activities.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-jamaica/
https://www.bglc.gov.jm/laws-legislation/
Last updated: 31-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
