History of Gambling in Haiti

Gambling was once illegal in Haiti, but in 1960, then-President François Duvalier passed a law legalizing the activity. However, the only way for casinos to operate legally was to be located in hotels with at least 200 rooms. There were no such hotels in Haiti. And, according to that law, if hotels could not host 200 rooms, their gaming rooms could offer a maximum of only seven table games. Gambling facilities could also only provide games allowed by the law, and a casino owner had to pay 40% of their profits in taxes. Gambling remained heavily restricted until 1989, when the president was replaced and gambling laws were relaxed.

Today, land-based casinos are legal in Haiti. However, they are not closely regulated. Online gambling is not regulated at all, which means those looking to play online need to visit an offshore site to do so. A variety of different games are popular throughout the Haitian gambling world. Bingo, for example, is a quite popular game among players around the world, including Haiti: there are numerous land-based bingo halls throughout the country where the game is held. Poker is arguably the most popular card game in the world; Haitian players can play in many land-based establishments throughout the country or online. The lottery is popular in Haiti as well. It is controlled by La Lotto Internationale S.A Lotto (LISA), a company authorized by the state to draw lottery tickets and numbers. Sports betting is also both common and popular. The most popular sport to bet on? Cockfighting. Haiti is one of the few countries in which cockfighting is still legal.

Haiti was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake back in 2010. This earthquake decimated the economy as well as much of the country’s infrastructure. Despite the difficulties, the island is still attempting to improve the economy in several ways. The lack of regulation among casinos, coupled with the devastation from the 2010 earthquake, may begin to explain why there are so few casinos in Haiti today. But casinos may prove a vital asset in improving the economy. Goy Centre de Jeux et D’amusements has emerged as a casino offering some of the best and most exclusive gaming in the country, especially as the only casino close to the Dominican border and in northern Haiti.

Something for All Ages

Goy Centre de Jeux et D’amusements is different from others, not only for its location, but because it hosts a game room for children along with its adult game room, making it the only casino in the area with a place for kids to play. This well-received play area is a place to make happy memories and for children to receive the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of play, especially child-driven play. In child-driven play, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own passions, and fully engage in said passions.

The bright and colorful playroom at Goy keeps kids entertained for hours. The room boasts a huge variety of indoor playground structures built just for them. Children can also enjoy the basketball hoops and trampoline. They can even ride light-up scooters or drive ride-on cars.
Goy also boasts a sports bar where patrons can relax and watch soccer and basketball games live on their huge, flat screen TVs. A variety of flavors to suit any taste includes rum, beer, champagne, wine, bourbon, and more. There’s something for all ages at Goy Centre De Jeux et D’amusements.

Sources:

“Gambling In Haiti: What You Need To Know.” The Haitian Times. https://haitiantimes.com/2020/07/07/gambling-in-haiti-what-you-need-to-know/

Gabor Nemeth. “Simon’s Guide to Gambling in Haiti – Lottery, Casinos and more.” Simon’s Online Gambling Blog. https://simonsblogpark.com/onlinegambling/simons-guide-gambling-haiti-lottery-casinos-more/

Kenneth R. Ginsburg. “The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds.” Pediatrics. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182#:~:text=Play%20allows%20children%20to%20use,important%20to%20healthy%20brain%20development.&text=It%20is%20through%20play%20that,in%20the%20world%20around%20them