Jamaica's first casino set to open February 2027 in Hanover

Jamaica's first regulated casino is scheduled to open in February 2027 at Princess Grand Jamaica in Green Island, Hanover, according to an announcement by Princess Hotels and Resorts Jamaica on October 14 during World Travel Week 2026.The property, Adamas Grand Casino Jamaica, is operated by Adamas Grand Casino Limited, which earlier this year became the first company to receive a casino gaming operator's licence from the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC). The licence, however, does not clear the operator to open immediately: the company must still satisfy several regulatory conditions, including approved surveillance and security systems, responsible gaming safeguards, anti-money-laundering measures, player protection protocols and integration with the CGC's Gaming Management Information System. The operator had previously been given until March 2027 to meet the outstanding conditions, making the February target an earlier deadline.Unlike some international jurisdictions where casino gambling is restricted to foreign visitors, Jamaicans will be permitted to enter and gamble at the facility alongside tourists. The casino will operate under a management agreement with Grupo Orenes, a Spanish gaming and hospitality company with operations in Spain, Mexico and Andorra. It was designed by architect Manuel Clavel and will feature slot machines and live table games including blackjack, craps, roulette and poker. Beyond gaming, the facility will include a sports bar, premium dining with live performances and an exclusive nightclub.The casino forms part of Princess Hotels and Resorts' approximately US$400-million investment in Hanover, which also includes Princess Grand Jamaica and the adults-only Princess Senses The Mangrove. The development traces back to the passage of Jamaica's Casino Gaming Act in 2010, which established the framework for casino operations within approved integrated resort developments. Under the legislation, casinos cannot operate as stand-alone businesses and must form part of large-scale tourism investments incorporating accommodation, entertainment, dining and other facilities. The project is expected to diversify Jamaica's tourism product and has created some 100 additional jobs for the new entity.The casino announcement coincided with a strong showing for Princess Hotels and Resorts Jamaica at the World Travel Awards, World MICE Awards and World Culinary Awards, where the group secured 11 honours. Princess Grand Jamaica was named Caribbean's Leading Resort, Caribbean's Leading Conference Hotel and Jamaica's Leading Resort. Princess Senses The Mangrove received recognition including Caribbean's Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort, Caribbean's Leading Water Villa Resort and Caribbean's Leading Wedding Resort. Robert's Flame Restaurant at Princess Senses The Mangrove was named Jamaica's Best Hotel Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards.Marc Pelfort, regional director of sales and marketing for Princess Hotels and Resorts Jamaica, said hosting World Travel Week was a proud moment for the organisation. "Hosting World Travel Week in Jamaica was a proud moment for our team and an opportunity to welcome leading voices from across the international tourism industry to our destination," Pelfort said. "To have the week marked by 11 prestigious awards across our resorts makes the occasion even more meaningful." He credited the group's employees, saying: "This recognition belongs to our dedicated colleagues, whose passion and commitment shape the experiences we create for our guests every day. We are proud to contribute to Jamaica's tourism story and look forward to building on this momentum."With the February 2027 target set, Green Island is positioned to become the home of Jamaica's first regulated casino gaming operation, though the operator's completion of the remaining licensing conditions will determine whether that timeline holds.