Guyana, officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is a sovereign state on the northern mainland of South America. It shares borders with the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Suriname to the east, and Venezuela to the west. Guyana is the 4th smallest country on the mainland of South America after French Guiana, Suriname, and Uruguay. The country’s population is around 740,000. Guyana’s capital and largest city is Georgetown with approximately 235,000 residents, almost the third of the whole population of the country. Guyana’s official language is English, but the country recognizes numerous other national languages like Spanish, Portuguese, and Carib amongst others. The dominant religion in the country is Christian.

• Gambling In Guangzhou
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• Casino In Guyana

Gambling took on a whole new meaning in Guyana, before tiredness caught up with me in Suriname, followed by my delayed bag in Brazil. Day 57 – Venezuela to Guyana. A double-flight day and a sleepy start. Venezuela to Trinidad and Tobago, then on to Guyana four hours later. A chance to catch up on some more admin in the airport, or so I thought. Guyana is located on the North-Atlantic coast of South America. The country is dominated by a dense rainforest, which covers much of its land. Guyana is culturally connected with the Caribbean, and next to Guyanese Creole, most people speak English. The capital Georgetown has plenty of British colonial architecture and a local market. A Unique & Modern hotel located in Georgetown, Guyana. Sleepin Hotel & Casino is the new addition to our Sleepin Hotels chain. It’s a luxury hotel located on Church Street, Georgetown and has great proximity to the market, shopping mall, Mosque, several Churches including the highest wooden building in the world that houses the Anglicans of St. Georges Cathedral, Regent Street and the world. You will find access to the Princess Casino easy because the casino is located in a lower flat of the hotel. On Site Gym, Movie Theatre/Games Arcade/ Fun Park The Ramada Georgetown has a movie theater, game arcade and fun center in the building.

Guyana is inhabited by 9 different tribes, the Wai Wai, Machushi, Patamona, Arawak, Carib, Wapishana, Arecuna, Akawaio, and Warra. The Dutch were the first to establish colonies in the country after the third voyage of Christopher Columbus. The Dutch were in control for almost 150 years till 1814, when the country became a British territory. Guyana gained independence from the British in 1966 and formed a republic in 1970. Guyana became a British Commonwealth nation in the same year. The country received international attention when more than 900 members of an American cult (Peoples Temple) committed mass suicide in Jonestown located at the northern part of the country.

Gambling is legal and regulated in Guyana since the Gambling Prevention Act of 1902 (this act was amended a couple times since its issuing, most recently in 2007). There is only one casino operating in the country at the moment offering the most popular games like roulette, poker, and blackjack to name a few. However, the law states that locals are forbidden to enter.* A loophole exists in the law because it says that tourists and guests of the hotel attached to the casino can play. This loophole is used by Guyanese citizens to enter the casino (they rent a room for a night for example).* Online gambling is not regulated at the moment which means that if players from Guyana want to play online they need to visit an offshore online casino. Numerous offshore online casinos accept players from Guyana.

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*The Guyana Office for Investment: Gambling Prevention Act

*Kaieteur News: Businessman Claims Princess Casino Breached Its Licence by Allowing Him Entry

Summary:

Casino gambling in Guyana

Online casino gambling in Guyana: not regulated

Land-based gambling is legal and regulated in Guyana. There is only one brick-and-mortar casino operating in the country at the moment called Princess Hotel & Casino. This casino offers all the popular games players would look for like blackjack, poker, roulette, and slot machines amongst other. However, the law forbids Guyanese citizens to enter any casinos in the country. Online gambling is not yet regulated in the country so players have to visit an offshore online casino if they want to play from the comfort of their homes. Many foreign online casinos accept player from Guyana.

Bingo in Guyana

Online bingo in Guyana: not regulated

Bingo is a very popular game amongst players in the world, especially in the United States. Gambling is legal and regulated in Guyana but unfortunately, there is not much information about land-based bingo halls in the country. Online gambling is not yet regulated so players from Guyana “have” to visit an offshore online casino to satisfy their needs of a good bingo game. Numerous foreign online casinos accept players from Guyana.

Poker in Guyana

Online poker in Guyana: not regulated

Poker is arguably the most popular card game ever created. Its ever growing popularity could be traced back to the constant television broadcasts, regularly held international tournaments, and the game’s competitive nature. Many would argue that poker involves a lot more skill than luck but in nature, it still counts as a form of gambling as it is mostly played in casinos to this day. Unfortunately, Guyanese players are not allowed to enter casinos in the country, so the only option for them to play poker is to visit an offshore online casino (online gambling is not regulated in Guyana).

Sports betting in Guyana

Online sports betting in Guyana: not regulated

Sports betting is quite popular around the world. It is legal for Guyanese citizens to bet on sports as there are numerous land-based establishments throughout the country. Online gambling, however, is not yet regulated in the country. Therefore, the only option for players to bet online is to visit an offshore online bookmaker.

Lottery in Guyana

Online lottery in Guyana: not regulated

Arguably, the lottery is the most common form of gambling out there. It is safe to say that where gambling is legal there is a national lottery. It is no different in Guyana either. The lottery is one of the most popular games in the country. The lottery games are handled by the Guyana Lottery Company Ltd. The company offers games like Lotto Supa 6, Daily Millions, and Lucky 3. There are numerous agents throughout the country where players can buy tickets. Unfortunately, the games cannot be played online.* Online gambling is not regulated in the country as of now. The only way for Guyanese players to play online is to visit an offshore online casino.

*The Official Website of the Guyana Lottery Company Ltd.

Bitcoin gambling in Guyana

Bitcoin gambling in Guyana: not regulated

Bitcoin is a digital currency also known as a “cryptocurrency” invented by an unknown person (or persons) under the moniker of Satoshi Nakamoto. The currency became popular quickly around the world as an alternative mean of payment. Bitcoin gambling appeared shortly after the introduction of the currency and grows in popularity every day as more and more online casinos started to specialize in it. However, Bitcoin is still a relatively new phenomenon so only just a handful of countries issued laws concerning it. Some countries consider Bitcoin as an asset rather than a currency (like Norway for example). Guyana does not have any specific laws concerning Bitcoin gambling or Bitcoin in general as of now.

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This page is part of Simon’s List – Legal Status of Online Gambling – a definitive guide to the legal status of all forms of online gambling activities in every country around the world.

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Last updated: 2016.02.18.

What do you think about casino gambling in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean?

I’m of Guyanese descent. I’ve travelled the world and I went to Guyana for the first time 2 years ago. I’m expecting to go again this year. To be truthful with you I was shocked at what I saw in terms of it being a great country yet well under-developed and in desperate need of investment.
But I don’t think that by allowing casinos is the right way of building up this country.
If the government really want to help the country, start by creating job opportunities. There is so much land there that Guyana should have more towns and new communities being established. But most of all what Guyana needs IS GOD.
What I know about gambling that it exalts greed, which in turn exalts more corruption, which ultimately leads to more crime and it increases poverty.
B Richmond
England

I think Guyana's not ready for casino gambling.It's absurd and out of the question. Poor people will suffer badly. Children will become criminals and drug dealers. IT IS AN ABSURD,LUNATIC AND SELF CENTERED DECISION.
L Alves
Linden, Guyana

The point was already brought up that the majority of supporters for casinos live abroad. For one we lack the basic infrastructure needed to manage and regulate our economy as it stands, so how can the strain of Casinos and tourism be managed? We need to stop wasting time focusing on casinos and tourism, and place the resources and effort into the infrastructure we have, before we can do anything else. Basic principles of any good business; strengthen what you have before you tackle the unknown.
The point was already brought up that the majority of supporters for casinos live abroad. For one we lack the basic infrastructure needed to manage and regulate our economy as it stands, so how can the strain of Casinos and tourism be managed? We need to stop wasting time focusing on casinos and tourism, and place the resources and effort into the infrastructure we have, before we can do anything else. Basic principles of any good business; strengthen what you have before you tackle the unknown.
A Jervis
Annandale, Guyana

By introducing casino gambling the Guyana government is suggesting that more tourists will come. The question is what type of tourists is desired and will the ordinary tourist travel past all those beaches and resorts in the Caribbean to come to Guyana to gamble?
I think not! Guyana can hardly manage to quell corruption in its key agencies and cannot control crime. This will be a very attractive place for perpetrators of organized crime and money launderers. The truth is Guyana is selling the little morals it has left for a couple of bucks in taxes from gambling.
A Thomas
Georgetown, Guyana

A casino would establish Guyana's introduction into the developing world and move us away from the holy power of the churches.
Asif
NY, USA

I think this is an important decision for the country and the Government should have widespread consultation before making a decision.
The Jagdeo government is now behaving like Burnham and doing things against the wishes of the people.
If what I am hearing is correct, at least 90 percent of the Guyanese follow some sort of religion. It seems all religions in Guyana do not approve; Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders are all against this.
If Jagdeo can’t convince them, he should shelve the idea and not pull a Burnham-move on the Guyanese
P Singh
New York, USA

I think it's a great idea. Guyana is an under developed country and possibly with casinos opening and tourist's visiting for the ICC Cricket World Cup, there will be more money put into the country to better itself. Although there are downfalls to having casinos, there will also be benefits also.
A Khan
London, England

Visitors to Guyana for the Cricket World Cup are not interested in casinos. Safety is the number one priority. Most Guyanese still in Guyana will not be able to afford to go to the casino. Casinos are for a certain type of person. I bet most of the money brought in by this venture will end up in USA and not where it is needed in Guyana.
D Dez
Hastings, UK

I am not surprised that the majority people in favour of casinos live abroad. This is a sort of 'it is alright if it is not in my back yard syndrome'. Gambling corrupts and demoralises while it increases prostitution and alcohol consumption.
There is enough corruption in Guyana, the country needs to look at other ways of turning around poverty such as lower taxes, more incentives to Guyanese working abroad to come home, investing and building the country through manufacturing, commercial services and educational avenues.
Rena
Georgetown

Guyana is not one of the most fortunate country when it comes to tourism due to the lack of activities tourist wants. With the upcoming cricket event casinos may actually help in the creation of jobs and boost the country economy.
C Cyril
NYC, USA

I have a lot of family who live in Guyana and I am one of the fortunate ones that were able to leave and educate myself abroad. I am currently in law school in Los Angeles, however, many of my cousins and other extended family cannot find a job that fully provides for their needs. When people plan trips to the Caribbean, Guyana is not normally the 1st place they think to go. The casinos may help turn around poverty by bringing more travel, thereby increasing the profits of local businesses and hopefully expansion opportunities. The casinos and the hotels associated with them will employ a large number of people and will help put more money into the community. Crime and drugs increase because people have no other way to support themselves. Give the people a chance to work for ‘legit’ money and crime and drugs may decrease. The casinos will be a chance to grow!
Chanel
Los Angeles, USA

I share the view that gambling and avenues of gambling should not be controlled by the view of religion but by the economic benefit(s) of Guyana. Bearing in mind, culture is important, it’s the choice of the people to gamble or not to gamble.
T Dhanpaul
Scarborough, Canada

I left Guyana 44 years ago and as child growing up I heard of people betting on the horse races. I think casino gambling will increase poverty.
M Ali-Moffatt
Vancouver, Canada

All things being equal, casinos would be a welcome development but that is not the case in Guyana. There are already grave concerns about drugs and money laundering in Guyana and it is no great revelation that casino gambling will exacerbate this. Yes, we are trying to develop the tourism industry but it is not yet active enough that we can legislate that only foreigners will be allowed to gamble. The tourists who tend to visit Guyana don't gamble...and the tourists who do don't visit Guyana...they visit countries where gambling is legal but there are the accompanying amenities; good hotels, better infrastructure etc. We are not there yet.
When there aren't enough 'foreigners' to keep the investment afloat then it will be the locals who are targeted.
J Collins,
London, UK

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I think having gambling in these countries is a step towards economic improvement. You cannot always base things on religion. In some ways it is bad because more people will spend all their time and money on gambling. In another way, casinos bring more money and more employment opportunities. Casinos in Guyana would be a great place for foreigners to enjoy their time.
C Baldeo
Boston, USA

I think Guyanese have reacted against casinos for fear of this thing going out of control as with so many other economic activities in this country
We have a lot of 'development projects' that have not been monitored and controlled properly by the relevant agencies here. Things have a way of getting out of hand here. Just to identify a few: beer gardens, restaurants, BBQ spots, Fish & Chips Spots are among some of the liming spots that spring up anytime and anywhere and sad to say although we have laws governing these, it still goes on. No one seems to be responsible for these activities which many times disturb the peace in residential areas. There are other cottage industries which we need to be regularised. We also have well established organisations which contribute to dust and noise that plague people for years
J
Georgetown, Guyana

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Casino In Guyana

I think having casinos in Guyana is a great idea. Guyana is finally emerging after decades of misrule and must keep the momentum going, in order to gain on her neighbours in the Caribbean and South America. To do so, Guyana must create job opportunities and businesses must take the leading role. However, the government must provide a safe environment for patrons of the casinos. Additionally, casinos will help attract tourists and encourage expats to visit their former home land which will provide much needed revenue for Guyana.
M Allan
New York City, USA