Trinidad And Tobago Approves Online Gambling Legislation Ahead Of 2027 Launch

Trinidad and Tobago has approved legislation paving the way for regulated online gambling, with the market expected to become operational by January 2027.

The Gambling (Gaming and Betting) (Remote Gambling) Order 2026 received Senate approval on 2 October, days after it was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives.

The order removes provisions under Section 76 of the Gambling, Gaming and Betting Control Act that prohibited operators based in Trinidad and Tobago from providing remote gambling services internationally.

The change could allow the Caribbean country to license operators serving both domestic and international markets.

Online Gambling Licensing Expected By January

Attorney General John Jeremie said the remaining administrative measures, including the introduction of online gambling licences for domestic and foreign operators, are expected to be implemented on or before 1 January 2027.

Ahead of the planned launch, the Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (GCC) will work with the Central Bank to finalise the market’s operational framework.

This will include digital payment integration and electronic money issuer licensing as the government seeks to bring remote gambling activity into the regulated economy.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said the previous legislation prevented businesses operating from Trinidad and Tobago from offering remote gambling services to customers in other countries, with violations carrying penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh argued that the existing prohibition had not eliminated unregulated remote gambling.

He said regulation could generate government revenue, employment and foreign exchange by allowing Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the international online gambling sector.

“Overall, the data indicates overall growth in the sector. In light of the objective of this order, which is to legislate remote gambling and create economic opportunity, the figures paint a positive picture for Trinidad and Tobago in the gambling sector,” Swaratsingh said.

Government Outlines Regulatory Approach

Swaratsingh said previous legislation, including the Gambling and Betting Act of 1963, the Registration of Clubs Act and the Liquor Licences Act, was introduced before the development of the internet and modern gambling technology.

Under the new framework, businesses holding a remote gambling licence from the GCC will be permitted to offer online gambling services subject to regulatory requirements.

“We intend to do this through proper regulation, rather than simply permitting unrestricted gambling activity,”

Swaratsingh said.

“Through this Bill, the government has boldly taken the opportunity to establish a regulated industry which can create opportunities for economic activity while strengthening the State’s ability to monitor participating operators.”

Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi questioned the speed of the legislative process and sought further details on how the licensing framework would operate.

He also raised concerns over potential foreign exchange outflows and noted that four years had passed since the GCC was appointed in 2022.

Jeremie said the outstanding issues would be addressed by or before January.

Existing Gambling Sector Generates TTD72.66m

Tancoo previously told the House of Representatives that 1,150 gaming-related accounts are currently registered with the Board of Inland Revenue.

These comprise 926 Gaming Amusement Tax accounts and 224 Club Gaming Tax accounts.

Gambling sector revenue reached approximately TTD72.66m (US$10.74m) in 2025, including TTD15.06m from Gaming Amusement Tax and TTD57.60m from Club Gaming Tax.

A coordinated enforcement operation between October 2025 and February 2026 also generated 247 payments across 240 Gaming Amusement Tax accounts, worth approximately TTD15.58m.

Tancoo said the figures demonstrated the existing contribution of regulated gambling and argued that bringing remote gambling within the formal system could expand the country’s tax base.

“Figures demonstrate that regulated gaming already provides a measurable revenue stream and reinforce the importance of bringing additional gambling activity within the formal system,” he said.

“The revenue implications to TT are very positive as there’s the ability to gain revenue on a global scale if this remote gambling industry becomes successful.”