Small gaming clubs and slot halls (Grenada)

1) Legal framework for "small formats"

The basic law of the sector is Gaming Act, No. 21 of 2016. He bluntly says that it does not apply to casinos (casinos are placed in a separate act of 2014), and also binds the National Lotteries Authority in the field of regulation.

Details - Gaming Regulations, SRO 48 of 2016: types of licenses, forms, terms, restrictions, reporting and mandatory conditions (protection of minors, ledgers, inspections, etc.).

For reference: casinos are allowed only in hotels with 300 + rooms according to Casino Gaming Act 2014 (this is not about "small formats," but it sets the context of the market).

2) What licenses are available for small sites

SRO 48/2016 provides unified license forms that most often relate to "small" formats:

Gaming Machines Operating License - operation of slot machines on the site.
Club's Gaming License - for member clubs that provide gaming services to their members (excluding lotteries and e-gaming).
General/Special Lotteries Operating Licence - if the format affects draws other than NLA products.

3) Key limitation: stand-alone machines only

The regulations explicitly state: a license for slot machines can only be issued for stand-alone machines; automatic machines connected to the central network are not allowed. This is clearly stated in the section "Limitations on gaming machines operating licenses."

4) Mandatory working conditions

Age 18 +. Licensee and its personnel are prohibited from allowing anyone under the age of 18 to play; in case of doubts, document verification is required. This is a prerequisite for a license.

Accounting and reporting. Return of Particulars forms (Form No. 10/11) are submitted on time (including a separate table for machines with serial numbers, bet/pay/GGR amounts and tax).

Inspections and ledgers. The regulation establishes the requirements for the storage of records and access of inspectors of the Gaming Commission.

5) Who accepts applications and how to go through the process

Regulator: Gaming Commission (created by law in 2016). The Commission issues/suspends/cancels licenses and conducts supervision.

Front Office: Gaming Secretary at Ministry of Legal Affairs (St. Georges). It was he who announced the registration of existing operators and importers, indicated the address and procedure for interaction.

Typical route: preliminary consultation in the Secretariat → preparation of a package according to SRO 48/2016 forms → submission and payment of fees → inspection/inspection → Commission decision → launch and regular reporting.

6) Taxation of "small formats"

The tax administers the Inland Revenue Division (IRD); bets and deadlines - on the official Gaming Tax page (with reference to Schedule IV of the law):

Machines: 30% of GGR or EC $250 for each machine, which is more. (Note IRD: The "EC $250 per machine" rule does not apply to machines used for e-gaming).
Betting (including pool betting): 30% GGR.
Lotteries: 25% GGR for commercial promoters; 15% GGR - for non-profit societies/municipalities.
Member clubs: 15% GGR.
Due date: until the 10th day of each month; penalties/interest for delay are provided (20% fine, 1.5% per month - interest).

💡 In the reporting form regulations themselves (Form No. 11) require to reflect the serial numbers of the machines, the amounts of rates/payments and the tax listed - this is an important link with the IRD.

7) Lotteries and NLA: where is the border

National Lotteries Authority (NLA) - state lottery operator; it has an official portal with a personal account, rules and results pages. Any lottery activity not related to NLA products/permits requires a separate legal evaluation and license.

8) Frequent operator errors and how to avoid them

1. "Network" of automata. Any attempt to combine machines into a central network is a violation of the terms of the license: only stand-alone is allowed. Check the configuration during the purchase/installation phase.

2. Age control. Lack of ID check procedures for 18 + and visual warnings - violation of mandatory conditions.

3. Incomplete reporting. Form returns by Form No. 11 without serial numbers of cars or without breakdown of rates/payments/GGR - a typical reason for claims.

4. Taxes "not there" and "not then." According to Gaming Tax, payment until the 10th day of the month; delay - penalty/interest. Check accruals and rates for your category (club, machines, lottery).

9) Mini FAQ for club/hall owner

Can I connect machines to a shared server network? No, it isn't. The license is issued only for stand-alone machines; Central networks are not allowed.

At what age do we let players in? Only 18 + (with document verification in doubt).

What is the tax on machines? 30% GGR or EC $250 per machine - which is more; due date - until the 10th.

And for clubs? 15% GGR (if it is a membership club providing games only to its members).

Where to get the forms and submit? Forms - in SRO 48/2016 (applications, including Form No. 1/2/7/11); submit via Gaming Secret/Gaming Commission.

Sources (primary and official)

Gaming Act 2016 (application, exclusion of casinos; NLA is covered).

Gaming Regulations - SRO 48 of 2016 (forms, mandatory conditions, network ban and stand-alone requirement, reporting).

Casino Gaming Act 2014 (market context: casinos with 300 + rooms only).

Gaming Secret Established (address and role of the front office).

IRD - Gaming Tax (rates, terms, penalties/interest; special mode for clubs/lotteries).

NLA - official site/results.