Trinidad and Tobago is part of Central America which lies in the southern Caribbean Sea and consists of Trinidad Island and Tobago Island, with its capital located at Port of Spain. The government has put in place various measures to ensure gambling is regulated using Gambling (Betting Sites in Trinidad and Tobago and sports betting) Control Commission (GCC). This article explores the legal system, evolution, regulators, licenses, taxes, and legal and illegal types of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Gambling Regulatory Framework
The Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Commission (GCC) is a regulatory body created by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. It regulates gambling and gaming and betting businesses independently to make sure these businesses are not corrupt and not involved in money laundering.
Initial Legislation
- 1963: Gambling and Betting Act, Chap. 11:49, Act No. 22 – Outlawed casinos and gaming machines; casinos operated as private member clubs due to legal technicalities.
- 2007, June: Finance Bill 2007 – Included slot machines as prohibited gambling activities.
- 2007, August: President George Maxwell Richards passed the legislation into law.
- 2007, September: The plan was for the casino industry to be phased out over a five year period.
Legislative Development
- 2013: The Minister of Finance Larry Howai called for the legalisation of gambling in order to minimise the social negative impacts, curb corruption and enhance tax collection.
- 2021, August 11: The Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act No. The GCC was finally established with definitive authority by 8 of 2021 which became law after being assented into law.
Functions and duties of the Gambling Control Commission.
The GCC was established to ensure that the gambling industry is functioning in a proper and effective manner. Its responsibilities include:
- Licencing and enforcement.
- Collecting revenue.
- Children and other protected categories of users.
- Promoting and protecting gambling in the best way possible.
- Avoidance of gambling offences and compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing legislation.
Gambling Law and Regulation in Trinidad and Tobago – 5 Things to Know
Licenses and Fees of Betting Sites in Trinidad and Tobago
Licensing Process
Licensing in Trinidad and Tobago is regulated by the Gambling and Betting (Licences) Regulations Act and the Registration of Clubs Act. The Licensing Committee is mandated with task of licensing. Below are the key licenses and associated fees:
- Gaming and Betting Operators Licenses: Essential in running any betting or gaming premises.
- Gaming Machine Manufacture License: Necessary for the production of gaming machines.
- Amusement Games: May be installed within premises that have been licensed to sell alcohol.
- Bingo and Raffles: Authorized by the police (only for non-profit organizations).
- Lottery Retailer, Agent, and Lotto Machine Licenses: Controlled by the National Lottery Control Board.
Taxation and Penalties
The Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Bill 2021 provides for a number of taxes and fines. The government estimates that it could collect up to T$500 million per annum from these taxes and fees. Here are some key taxes and penalties:
- Black Jack Table: $120 000 per table.
- Caribbean Stud Poker Table: $150,000 per table.
- Roulette Table: Up to $120,000 per table.
- Electronic Roulette Table: $120,000 per table.
- Slot Machine: $24 000 per machine.
Penalties
- Operating without a License: Up to $5 million criminal penalty and five years’ imprisonment.
- Using Unapproved Equipment/Devices: Criminal fine maximum: $1 million Administrative penalty maximum: $250,000.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
In Trinidad and Tobago, some gambling activities are illegal, and some are legal, but with restraint.
Prohibited Activities
- Unlicensed gambling operations.
- Malpractices involving the use of unapproved equipment or counterfeit instruments.
Permitted Activities
- Casinos and gaming establishments licensed by the Government.
- Private clubs with casino facilities (to be further regulated).
- Bingo and raffles – for non-profit organizations.
- Sales of lottery through authorized retail outlets.
Evolution of Sports Betting Sites in Trinidad and Tobago
Legal Framework
However, there has been no significant progress in legalizing and regulating sports betting in Trinidad and Tobago. But the formation of the GCC is a big step forward towards the legalisation of sports betting. The key goals include:
- Ensuring responsible gambling practices.
- Royalties and taxes as sources of income.
- Preventing illegal betting activities.
Future Prospects
The government is debating on different structures to legalize and regulate sports gambling. These may include:
- PPP model for sports betting operations.
- Legal Online Sports Betting Sites in the GCC.
- On-site sports gambling at authorized locations.
Conclusion
Trinidad and Tobago is slowly but surely moving towards establishing a legalized gambling industry consisting of Trinidad and Tobago Betting Sites and Trinidad and Tobago sports betting. The creation of the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Commission is a vital measure for stimulating the industry’s development without compromising its ethical principles and specific risks for particularly vulnerable groups of population. The laws governing this industry are changing and if businesses and other stakeholders want to reap from it they need to be well educated and obey the laws.