While the government respects the right of citizens to spend their money as they choose, concerns over the growing social impact of gambling have become increasingly difficult to ignore. Religious organisations, civil society groups and families have repeatedly raised alarm about the toll it is taking on individuals and households.
In response, the government introduced the Gaming Authority Bill on Monday, which seeks to regulate who may provide gaming, betting and wagering services in Guyana.
The bill is expected to be referred to a Special Select Committee for further review. Below are some of its key provisions.
1. What does the Gaming Authority Bill aim to do?
The bill would create a legal framework to license, regulate and oversee all gaming, betting, and wagering activities in Guyana. Its goal is to ensure gambling is conducted fairly, transparently and free from fraud, criminal influence and exploitation.
2. Who would enforce the law?
The bill proposes the creation of a Gaming Authority of Guyana to regulate and enforce the law.
The Authority would:
- oversee the gambling industry;
- protect children and other vulnerable persons;
- prevent gambling from being used for money laundering, terrorism financing or other criminal activities; and
- ensure operators pay the required taxes, fees and other statutory charges.
3. What powers would the Gaming Authority have?
The Authority would have broad powers to regulate the industry, including the ability to:
- issue, suspend or revoke licences;
- inspect, monitor and regulate gambling operations;
- investigate illegal gambling;
- take enforcement action against unlicensed operators;
- seize equipment used in illegal gambling;
- establish electronic systems to monitor gaming activities;
- maintain a database to track gaming equipment; and
- conduct audits and compliance inspections.
4. Who would the law apply to?
The bill proposes that it would apply to:
- casinos
- gaming lounges
- betting shops
- licensed online gaming operators
- overseas gaming services that target or accept customers in Guyana.
The only exemption is lotteries conducted under the Government Lotteries Act.
5. What types of licences could be issued?
The Gaming Authority would be able to issue licences for:
- casino operators and casino premises;
- gaming lounge operators and premises;
- betting shop operators, premises and agents;
- remote (online) gaming operators;
- horse, hound and simulcast racing; and
- any other category established by regulations.
6. Who can qualify for a licence?
Before granting a licence, the Authority must determine whether an applicant is a fit and proper person.
It can consider:
- honesty and integrity
- experience and qualifications
- financial standing
- the lawful source of funds
- criminal convictions or regulatory sanctions
- ownership structure
- tax compliance
- compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
7. What information must licence holders provide?
Licensed operators would be required to regularly submit:
- audited financial statements;
- details of gaming revenue;
- taxes and fees paid;
- information on gaming equipment; and
- details of gaming software used in their operations.
8. What are some of the proposed offences?
The bill would make it an offence to knowingly gamble at an unlicensed venue or through an online operator that is not licensed under the Act.
Anyone convicted of such an offence could face a fine of between G$2 million and G$10 million.