Government introduces Bill to curb online betting and tighten regulations around gambling shops

The Government of Guyana has tabled the revised Gaming Authority Bill, as it moves to tighten regulations and reform taxation to curb the rise of gambling activities. The legislation seeks to tighten the regulation of gaming activities through betting shops and mobile applications. In recent years, the Government has been pointing to the negative effects of online betting games, which have been sweeping across communities. Attorney General, Anil Nandlall is piloting the Bill and he told the National Assembly on Monday that the legislation will regulate casinos and online betting in Guyana. “The Bill acts to provide for the licensing, regulations, supervision, taxation and control of gaming, betting and wagering activities in Guyana, to establish the Guyana gaming authority to prescribed the standards for the operation of casinos, gaming lounges, betting shops, betting shop agents, remote gaming platforms and simulcast horse and hung racing,” the Attorney General said. The Government has also taken issue with the number of sport betting shops that are being opened in various communities across the country. AG Anil Nandlall Once passed, the legislation will also regulate equipment, promote responsible gaming and establish a responsible gaming fund, and implement anti-money laundering and counter the financing of terrorism obligations in the gaming sector, to provide for the administrative penalties and enforcement measures. The Bill is expected to be referred to a Special Select Committee at the next sitting of the National Assembly which will allow for a detailed examination of its provisions and provide an opportunity for further consideration of measures aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework governing the gaming industry. The Attorney General has said the reforms are intended to respond to growing concerns over the industry’s expansion while addressing its social and economic impact on communities across Guyana.