West Indies cricket is set to receive a major financial boost as Caribbean prime ministers unite behind a groundbreaking initiative expected to generate nearly US$100 million for the sport over the next decade. Robert Washington, CEO of Caribbean CAGE, revealed this development on Barbados’ “Mason and Guest” cricket show on Tuesday night.
The initiative is driven by a 10-year partnership between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Caribbean CAGE, a prominent gaming and sports betting operator. Signed in December 2024, the agreement will take effect on April 1, 2025, and is also projected to generate an additional US$158 million for regional governments.
Emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding, Washington underscored how crucial it is for West Indies cricket to remain competitive internationally.
“Cricket needs recurring, sustainable revenue because you need new academies, new technology, new grounds, but you have to have income,” he stated. “Gaming, as we all know, is a tax on the willing.”
He likened the Caribbean’s approach to that of U.S. states that fund education and sports through regulated lottery systems.
“What I think the Caribbean is doing now, which is very significant, is similar to what has been done in the U.S. with the South Carolina Educational Lottery and the Georgia Education Lottery,” he explained. “Without resources, how does Cricket West Indies compete with India, South Africa, Pakistan, and England?”
The CARICOM Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Cricket, chaired by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, has played a key role in mobilizing government support for the initiative.
“That committee has been very active and supportive of getting governments to ensure that seven percent of adjusted gross revenue goes directly to Cricket West Indies. If all the governments participate, we conservatively estimate close to US$100 million will be generated for cricket over the next decade, along with an additional US$158 million for the governments. And that’s where we are. That’s our commitment.”
Several regional leaders have thrown their weight behind the initiative, including Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
The revenue will come from regulated gaming operations, including sports betting and virtual sports, conducted within a secure, geo-fenced environment. Washington detailed how these gaming platforms would function.
“These are games that will allow people to bet on sporting events – cricket, baseball, football, tennis, soccer – any game in the world. You can bet from your home, from your office, at a bus stop, at a restaurant,” he said.
Caribbean CAGE has also partnered with leading global gaming companies, including FanDuel, a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, and Sportradar, a top provider of sports content and data analytics.
“We are bringing new technology, including digital wallets, which will allow players to securely place bets. This will also enable tourists to participate in gaming while adhering to international standards.”
Highlighting the long-standing issue of unregulated gaming in the region, Washington pointed out how illegal operations have deprived both cricket and governments of potential revenue.
“Today, any company in the world can take bets in the Caribbean and not pay governments or cricket a dime. In America, it’s a violation of the Wire Act to have interstate gaming. But in the Caribbean, these operations are rampant,” he noted.
He praised Caribbean leaders for recognizing and addressing the issue.
“Now that governments are prepared to shut down ISPs that facilitate illegal gaming, watch how it accrues to the benefit of cricket and the governments of the Caribbean. You can’t do this in the U.S., Canada, England, Germany, Austria, Australia, or China – only in the Caribbean. But I’m delighted that the political leadership understands this and is taking appropriate steps to ensure that cricket and the people of the Caribbean benefit.”
With this initiative, Cricket West Indies is poised to receive a steady stream of revenue that will be channeled into player development, infrastructure, and overall growth of the sport, ensuring a stronger future for West Indies cricket.
Washington, who has long-standing personal ties to the Caribbean, expressed his commitment to helping revive the region’s cricketing legacy.
“I have been in the Caribbean community for over 30 years. My children grew up here, my son’s wife is from St. Kitts, my youngest son was born in Barbados. This is home for me. And cricket is a vehicle for us to help grow the sport.”
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