Basic laws: Gaming Control Act (Grenada) - the actual name of Gaming Act 2016

1) What is the law to consider the "Gaming Control Act" in Grenada

There is no act literally called the Gaming Control Act in Grenada's official legal system. The role of the "gambling control law" is played by the Gaming Act, No. 21 of 2016, together with the by-laws Gaming Regulations (SRO 48 of 2016). It is this package that creates the regulator, describes the types of licenses, requirements for applicants, inspections and sanctions.

• Casino & Gaming Act 2014 - political U-turn to casinos in hotels of 300 + rooms; the law was passed by Parliament in August 2014 (House and Senate).
• Cap. 120 Gambling, Lotteries and Betting Act - the historical "umbrella" act of 1966 (with subsequent amendments), criminalized "common gaming houses" and regulated lotteries/betting in the old model.

To administer the reform in 2017, the Gaming Secret (under the Ministry of Justice) was created - a contact point for applicants and the industry.

2) Gaming Act 2016 architecture

Establishment of a regulator. The law creates the Gaming Commission, its composition, mandate and powers: licensing, supervision, publication of manuals/conditions, application of sanctions.

Definitions and scope of regulation. Basic terms are given (including wins, game of chance), and the coverage of "chance games," including the provision of "means for playing" - that is, not only casinos, but also other formats.

Delegated rulemaking. The Minister is authorized to approve Regulations clarifying requirements and exceptions; this is what SRO 48/2016 Gaming Regulations are fixed by.

3) Licenses and registration: what exactly is regulated

• Club's gaming license - for licensing game zones in member clubs (emphasis on closed, club access).
• Frame for other permits/licenses, as well as general requirements for documents, personnel and control.

• good faith and verification of beneficiaries (fit and proper), financial stability, compliance with premises and equipment, AML/CFT procedures, reporting and access to inspectors, compliance with age restrictions and responsible play rules.

4) Supervision, inspections and sanctions

Inspectors and warrants. The law describes the powers of inspectors to check sites, request documents, and seize items in case of violations. Failure to comply with the lawful requirements of the inspector is an offense.

Sanctions. Fines, suspension/cancellation of the license, as well as criminal liability for conducting activities without a license, deceiving players, interfering with inspection, etc. are provided.

5) Tie-in with Casino & Gaming Act 2014 and Cap. 120

Casino & Gaming Act 2014 set the "tourist" model: a casino license is possible only with the owner/manager of a hotel with 300 + rooms, which was supposed to tie the gambling segment to large resort investments. This is a strategic requirement of the 2014 text itself.

Cap. 120 remains the source of basic criminal law in terms of prohibited practices (for example, common gaming house, excitement in a public place) and serves as the historical basis from which Grenada leaves, deploying a new regulated system through Gaming Act 2016.

6) Procedures, documents and club venues: what Regulations emphasize

• introduce accurate definitions (including club's gaming license), establish forms, a list of documents, the procedure for submission and consideration, describe the standards for storing records/funds, internal control and reporting, and consolidate the subordination of the Gaming Commission created by the 2016 law.

7) Where to learn "how to file" and who administers

Since 2017, Gaming Secretary (located at Ministry of Legal Affairs) has been playing the role of a "front office" of reform: accepting requests, clarifying procedures, coordinating with the Commission and departments. This is confirmed by the official release of the government. Contacts of the Ministry of Justice are relevant on the government website.

8) Practical conclusions for operators and investors

1. Support - Gaming Act 2016 + SRO 48/2016. These documents are the primary sources of requirements for licenses, personnel, inspections and sanctions. It is their texts that need to be studied.

2. Casinos are tied to a large hotel. If it is a casino resort that is planned, take into account the requirement of 300 + rooms from the 2014 law.

3. Historic Cap bans. 120 continue to operate in terms of criminal law if the activity "falls out" of the licensed framework.

4. Administration and communications - through Gaming Secret and Ministry of Legal Affairs.

9) Frequent errors in interpretation

The wording "there is a separate Gaming Control Act in Grenada" is incorrect in name; the actual "control" law is Gaming Act 2016.

The statement that "online games are completely regulated by a separate online license" is not reflected in the texts of the acts 2014/2016; the general framework of the 2016 law and regulations is applied, as well as the requirements for sites and formats defined by them. You need to check by primary sources.

Primary sources (for lawyers and compliance)

Gaming Act, No. 21 of 2016 (official publication of the Parliament of Grenada, PDF).

Gaming Regulations - SRO 48 of 2016 (official publication, PDF).

Casino & Gaming Act 2014 (official publication of the parliament, PDF; requirement "300 + numbers").

Cap. 120 Gambling, Lotteries and Betting Act (official edition, PDF/law portal).

Gaming Secret Established - Government Release (2017).