BGLC Urges Licencees To Use GMIS Online Portal Ahead Of March 31 Deadline

The Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) is encouraging licencees to apply for and renew their licences through its Gaming Management Information System (GMIS) online portal ahead of the March 31 deadline.

Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager at the BGLC, Wendy Robertson, told JIS News that the transition marks a deliberate move away from the Commission’s remote licensing framework as part of a broader digital transformation strategy.

“The shift from remote licensing to an online application model is part of the Commission’s effort to modernise and strengthen our licensing and compliance framework,” Ms. Robertson explained.

She noted that remote licensing “was initially implemented as a solution to facilitate easier access to services for our licencees and operators in remote areas”.

According to Robertson, the move to the GMIS is intended to improve regulatory oversight, accessibility and operational efficiency.

“The transition to the online application model is purposely done to drive our approach to digital transformation and also to enhance customer experience,” she said.

Ms. Robertson emphasised that the online system provides a simpler and more efficient process for licencees.

“We want to have more and more of our customers do the process online. It’s easier and more efficient and there’s no need to come into the office,” she said.

Ms. Robertson highlighted the many uses of the GMIS platform in providing customers with a convenient method of remaining compliant.

“It provides a convenient and readily available medium for conducting business. It reduces paperwork. It enables tracking. So, customers can go online and track the status of their queries, complaints and applications,” she noted.

“And for us, it improves efficiency and transparency. We know that operators will need to adapt to the digital process, but overall, the change is expected and will reduce delays, and simplify licensing with in-person steps required only when necessary,” Ms. Robertson added.

Ms. Robertson acknowledged that while some users adapt easily, others remain hesitant.

“We find that young persons don’t have a problem. They say, ‘oh, this is easy, I don’t need to come back into the office’, whereas the older demographic, those persons in rural areas, they are much more hesitant,” she said.

She also outlined the timeline for the full transition away from remote licensing.

“Come the beginning of January 2027, all licencees and operators will be required to renew their licences online or to apply for a licence online,” Ms. Robertson stated.

“We’re using this whole year, 2026, to build awareness of the system and encourage them to get on and use the portal,” she added.

The GMIS online portal can be accessed through the Commission’s website, www.bglc.gov.jm