Cayman Islands contemplates allowing casino operations for docked cruise ships

Minister of Tourism and Ports Kenneth Bryan of the Cayman Islands suggested allowing cruise ships to keep their casinos open while anchored in the Cayman Islands to entice cruise ship vessels to stay longer in port or overnight. This proposal, however, will go into effect only if the new cruise pier is approved in the upcoming national referendum. The voting will happen at the same time as the general elections for the islands, scheduled to take place in early 2025.

Maritime laws

Cruise ships are generally governed by the laws of that country or state once within 12 nautical miles of land. To avoid any potential conflict between the laws of the flag (the country the cruise ship is registered to) and local laws, cruise ships open their casinos and duty-free shops only when they are outside territorial waters. The current Cayman Islands laws follow this rule, where cruise ships are not only prevented from opening casinos in Caymanian water, but all forms of commercial gambling are illegal there. Under the proposed new law, casinos on board docked cruise ships would be allowed to open at designated times, such as 3 p.m. Bryan added, “We want to make sure that they weren’t allowed to open until passengers have had a good opportunity to come off the ship.” Only cruise ship passengers would be allowed to gamble, maintaining the island’s gambling prohibition and restricting locals’ access to participate. General cruise ship security measures while in port are typically tight, including electronic cruise pass scanning and controlled port access. Along with a customarily strictly controlled cruise port, these measures would ensure compliance with these restrictions. The minister addressed Parliament earlier this month, stating that George Town could be given a new lease of life if ships were allowed to stay overnight: “If we had a pier, ships could even consider overnighting in our ports. Can you imagine what an uplift that could do to downtown George Town?”

The economic element

“It’s about an economic formula which makes sense to the cruise lines,” Bryan said. “These are people who are trying to make money, and any decision has a financial factor. I’ve spoken to the cruise ships about the casinos and I’ve said that the conversation is about anything which will allow you to spend longer in port.” Former legislator Ellio Solomon and an Association for the Advancement of Cruise Tourism (ACT) representative recognise its potential economic benefits and have tentatively welcomed the idea. Solomon said “ACT is advocating for the advancement of cruise tourism, inclusive of pier infrastructure, to give our cruise guests the same kind and professional welcome as those who come by plane. Whatever government is elected in 2025 will have the mandate to build pier infrastructure, and to explore whatever enhancements they believe the country needs and our community will support.”

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