IN a major boost for West Indies cricket, prime ministers across the Caribbean are rallying behind an initiative that will generate nearly US$100 million for the sport over the next 10 years. Robert Washington, CEO of Caribbean CAGE, revealed this development during an interview on the “Mason and Guest” cricket show in Barbados on Tuesday night.

The initiative stems from a historic 10-year partnership between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Caribbean CAGE, a leading gaming and sports betting operator. The agreement, which was signed in December 2024 and takes effect on April 1, 2025, is also expected to generate US$158 million for governments in the region.

Washington emphasised that sustainable revenue is crucial for the growth and competitiveness of West Indies cricket on the global stage.
“Cricket needs recurring, sustainable revenue because you need new academies, new technology, new grounds, but you have to have income,” Washington stated. “Gaming, as we all know, is a tax on the willing.”
He explained that Caribbean governments are taking a proactive approach similar to how U.S. states fund education and sports through 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 said. “Without resources, how does Cricket West Indies compete with India, South Africa, Pakistan, and England?”

Washington credited the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Cricket, led by Chairman Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, for its efforts in mobilising 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.”

He also acknowledged the involvement of several regional leaders, 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 funds will be generated through regulated gaming operations, including sports betting and virtual sports, which will be conducted within a controlled, geo-fenced environment.
“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,” Washington explained.
He highlighted Caribbean CAGE’s partnerships with global industry leaders, such as FanDuel (part of Flutter Entertainment) and Sportradar, a top sports content provider.
“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.”
Washington also pointed out that the Caribbean has long suffered from unregulated, untaxed gaming operations that provide no financial benefits to cricket or local governments.
“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.
Washington praised Caribbean leaders for recognising this issue and taking steps to combat illegal gaming.

“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 consistent stream of revenue to invest in player development, facilities, and overall cricket infrastructure, ensuring a stronger future for the sport in the region.

Washington, who has deep personal ties to the Caribbean, expressed his passion for helping to revive West Indies cricket.
“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.” (Sportsmax)