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Mission Statement

The Mission of the Gaming Board for The Bahamas is to protect the integrity of the Gaming Industry by keeping it free from the influence of organized crime by assuring the honesty, good character, and integrity of all licensed operators and employees; and to ensure that Gaming is conducted fairly and in accordance with the provisions of the Gaming Act (2014), the Gaming Regulations (2014), the Gaming House Operator Regulations (2014) and the Gaming Rules (2015).

The two main objectives of the Board are to:

1.  Grant, refuse, or recommend the grant or refusal of licenses and certificates of suitability and activities incidental thereto; and

2. Regulate all licensed gaming activities incidental thereto in The Bahamas, subject to the Act.

The Gaming Board for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is charged with the supervision and execution of the grant of gaming licenses and certificates of suitability.

Protecting the integrity of the gaming industry and ensuring fair play for all. Mission of the Gaming Board of The Bahamas

Legal Foundation of the Gaming Board's Establishment

Section 32(1) of the Lotteries and Gaming Act established the Gaming Board for The Bahamas, mandating that "There shall be established a Gaming Board for The Bahamas (in this Act referred to as 'the Board')." Sections 32(3)(a) and 32(3)(b) identify the roles of the Gaming Board for The Bahamas:

(3) It shall be the duty of the Board:

(a) To keep under review the extent, character, and location of gaming facilities provided on premises in respect of which licenses under this Act are in force; and

(b) To perform such other functions as are assigned to the Board by this Act.

Legal Structure

The composition of the Gaming Board for The Bahamas is set out in the Gaming Regulations, 2014 and the Gaming Act, 2014.

The Appointed Board

Section 4 of the Gaming Act, 2014 governs the composition and appointment of the Board:

  • The Board consists of four members, appointed by the Minister responsible for gaming in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
  • Members must be eligible persons possessing appropriate knowledge or experience relevant to the Board's functions.
  • The Minister designates one member to serve as Chairperson.
  • Before appointment, each candidate must submit an affidavit to the Minister declaring that they are eligible for appointment and not disqualified from serving.
  • The Minister retains the authority to call for proof of a member's continued eligibility at any time and may order an investigation or inquiry in that regard.

 

Section 3 of the Gaming Regulations, 2014 further sets out qualification requirements for Board composition:

  • At least one member must have, for a cumulative period of at least five years, practiced as an advocate or attorney, lectured in law at a Bahamian college, or been involved in the application or administration of law.
  • At least one member must be a duly registered accountant or auditor with at least five years in public practice, or have lectured in accounting or accountancy at a Bahamian college or comparable institution for at least five years.
  • At least two additional members must have, in the opinion of the Minister, knowledge or experience in other fields relevant to the proper functioning of the Board.
Role of the Board

The Board is responsible for the fiduciary oversight of the organization. Its duties include supervising the strategic focus, setting policies regarding the Gaming Board, and establishing regulations and rules relevant to both the casino and domestic gaming industries for which the Gaming Board has regulatory oversight. Section 9(h) of the Gaming Act, 2014 gives the Board the authority to establish committees for the performance of any function conferred on the Board under the Act.

Our Offices

Official Operating Offices

The Gaming Board for The Bahamas maintains offices in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, and Abaco.