Gambling and Control - Barbados

Social aspects: gambling addiction and control (Barbados)

1) Why the topic is important

Gambling is a familiar part of leisure time on the island (lotteries, sweepstakes, small halls at hotels). At the same time, some players face loss of control, debts and family conflicts - symptoms of gaming disorder. International clinical guidelines describe it as sustained behavior leading to clinically significant distress and impaired social functioning; risk is amplified by early onset, financial hardship, and associated stressors.

2) What the law prescribes

• Gambling Act, Cap. 134 - basic prohibitions on "common gaming houses" and procedural powers of law enforcement officers.
• Betting & Gaming Act, Cap. 134A - licensing of gaming halls/machines, "approved premises," rules for clubs and charity draws; access and control framework, including protection of minors at licensed sites.
• Betting & Gaming Duties Act, Cap. 60 - fees/licenses and administrative procedures (license validity periods, modes for pool betting, etc.). Although this is a "fiscal" act, it sets the manageability of the sector and related compliance.

Conclusion: the state has environmental control tools (licenses, site regime, age restrictions) that can be relied on when expanding harm reduction measures.

3) Age threshold and lottery rules

The official lottery directly indicates "Must be 18 or older to play," and on the FAQ page emphasizes protective practices: ticket signature, loss liability, stamp deadlines and distribution of unclaimed prizes to beneficiaries. The site has a Problem Gambling section with materials on Responsible Gaming.

4) Where to get help - contacts in Barbados

Lifeline Barbados (24/7): the national 24-hour line of the Ministry of Health - 536-4500. Launched in 2024, it works daily and has already received hundreds of requests.

Psychiatric hospital (Black Rock, St. Michael): inpatient/outpatient care, emergency services; PBX 536-3001 (Ministry of Health).

QEH Mental Health Services: Inpatient, day care, 24-hour emergency mental health services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

NCSA - National Council on Addiction: government agency to reduce demand for substances and prevent addictions (info resources, directions to services).

5) How to recognize a problem in yourself or loved ones

• growing bets/game frequency, attempts to "recoup";
• stealth, debt, conflicts at home and work;
• stress/anxiety avoidance game;
• failed attempts to cut.
• If you recognize yourself, discuss this with loved ones and contact 536-4500 or specialized services.

6) What the organizers are doing: Responsible Gaming in practice

Communication "18 +" and warnings at points of sale, on tickets and websites;

Hall access control (Cap. 134A: licensing of sites, admission rules, responsibility of operators);

KYC/AML procedures in cash/disbursements and staff training to recognize vulnerable customers;

Partnership with beneficiaries and NGOs through a lottery: some of the unclaimed prizes are sent to public recipients, and resource pages help players find help.

7) Self-control tools for players

Financial limits: pre-determine the daily/weekly budget "for entertainment";

Time limits: set session timers and take breaks;

Exclude triggers: do not play fatigue, after alcohol, "on emotions";

"Cold pause": decide not to play for at least 24-72 hours if there is a desire to "recoup";

Support: share the plan with a loved one, keep contacts 536-4500 and nearby services. (The Ministry of Health publishes a digital directory of mental health services - convenient to keep close at hand.)

8) What can be strengthened in politics until 2030

1. A single public dashboard for RG: appeals to 536-4500, directions, availability of services - without disclosing personal data.

2. Mandatory RG standards for Cap licenses. 134A: trained "RG officers" at sites, denial of service protocols, visible assistance materials.

3. Integration of online (when codified) with self-exclusion/limit tools and local help contacts. The basis of administration is already in Cap. 60/134A - it can be expanded for a digital channel.

4. Seasonal campaigns for tourists and youth: "Play Responsibly," reminders "lottery tickets are not a gift for children" - the approach is supported by international RG practice.

9) Quick plan for a crisis

1. Stop the game and call 536-4500 (Lifeline Barbados).

2. Remove access to money/cards, cancel "quick loans."

3. Tell a loved one and negotiate a "financial tracker."

4. Schedule a visit to QEH or Psychiatric Hospital (via PBX 536-3001) - help routing will be prompted there.

As of October 11, 2025, Barbados has basic legal levers of control over the gambling environment (Cap. 134/134A/60), working age restrictions, and a growing mental health assistance network with a 24-hour line of 536-4500. The next step is to make Responsible Gaming more systemic and transparent (metrics, training, integration of the future online channel) in order to maintain a balance between entertainment and public health. If the game ceases to be entertainment, contact support now.