Different people look for different things when planning a vacation. Some persons look for sun, sea and relaxation. Some want party, excitement and fun. One past time that is greatly sort after is gambling.
Jamaica is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. We are surrounded by sea; there is plenty of sun, loads of relaxing spots and nuff, nuff fun to be had. Jamaica however has laws against gambling.
Not withstanding these laws, one can legally enjoy race horse gambling at Caymanas Park or any Off Track post. We have Lotto two days a week, Lucky Five once a day, Pick 3 twice a day, Dollaz, twice a day and Cash Pot three times a day. More recently we have had a growing number of Gaming Houses which offer slot machines and other games. The most recent one is the Acropolis in Barbican.
Yes, I did say gambling is not permitted in Jamaica. I’m not sure how the above mentioned past times are categorized. What I do know is that they are heartily supported by the little man hoping to increase his lot in life. I also know that it does not impact our economy only the pockets of the owners of those establishments.
Gambling is a very lucrative business. If Jamaica were to incorporate gambling into our tourism product it would attract a great number of additional vacationers. It would also create jobs directly and indirectly hence have a positive impact on our economy.
Some people scuff at gambling because of the negative implications which they claim comes with it. Things such as drugs and prostitution but if we were really being honest we would see that those things already exist in our country. Other countries are able to control their gambling product, why can’t we.
I think it’s time we stop being hypocrites. We don’t need the Jamaican gambling dollar going around in circles. What we need is the foreign gambling dollar to add to our economy. It’s nothing new; it has been tried and proven all over the world.
Nuff Love.