Legality of casinos and slot machines (Grenada)

1) Basic architecture of law

Two key laws.

1. Casino Gaming Act 2014 - legalizes casinos only in hotels with 300 + rooms (GTA accreditation/Minister's decision).

2. Gaming Act 2016 is a "general" law on gaming (betting, lotteries, slot machines, etc.), which does not directly apply to casino gaming that falls under the 2014 act.

By-law 2016. Gaming Regulations (SRO 48/2016) details the types of licenses, forms, validity of permits, etc.

Historical seam. Cap. 120 Gambling, Lotteries and Betting Act (1966) retains basic prohibitions (including "common gaming house," excitement in a public place) and is applied where activities fall out of the licensed framework.

2) Casinos: what is allowed and why they are still not

What the law says. Casino Gaming Act 2014 allows licensing only for hotels/resorts with 300 + rooms; set a number of "fit & proper" requirements for company owners/officers. This is a "tourist" model tied to large investments.

Which is in practice. Industry reports and reference books have noted for years the absence of operating casinos in Grenada (barrier - number of rooms and entry of sites).

3) Slot machines: when it's legal and when it's not

Definition and coverage. Gaming Act 2016 refers to "gaming" any game of chance for a prize, including slot machines and bets/lotteries; defines "gaming machine." An appropriate license is required to operate them.

Key limitations of regulations. SRO 48/2016 allows the issuance of gaming machines operating license only for stand-alone machines; automatic machines connected to the central network are prohibited. Also, the regulations establish the validity of licenses for bets and lotteries.

Administration and accounting. In 2017, the government established Gaming Secret under the Ministry of Justice; operating operators of halls and importers of slot machines are required to register, then apply for licenses.

4) Where the borders of the "illegal" pass

Without a license - a criminal zone. If the platform or machine is operated without the required permit, the Cap provisions apply. 120 about "common gaming house," gambling in a public place and related offenses (fines/imprisonment).

Lotteries are an NLA monopoly. National lotteries are managed by the state NLA; the site and the NLA offer directly reference Cap. 120 and age restrictions (18 +). Private "lotteries" without special permission are a violation.

5) Often confused: "online" and "slot machines"

A separate "online casino license" is not visible in public registries. The 2016 act covers games/bets/lotteries as such (including those involving "gaming machines" and betting), and "casino gaming" is included in the 2014 act. Therefore, statements from secondary blogs that "online casinos are fully regulated by a separate controller board" are not confirmed by primary texts of laws and state messages. The status check should be carried out according to Gaming Act 2016 + SRO 48/2016 and Casino Gaming Act 2014.

6) What to do investor/operator

1. If you are a hotel/resort with 300 + rooms and want a casino - your basic law is Casino Gaming Act 2014; prepare documents on "fit & proper," safety, compliance, site plan, sources of funds.

2. If you are a hall with slot machines/club - your frame Gaming Act 2016 + SRO 48/2016: license for stand-alone machines, internal control, reporting, age control, inspections. Contact - Gaming Secret.

3. If you are an importer of machines, registration with the Secretariat and compliance with the rules of import/certification are required.

4. If we are talking about lotteries, this is the NLA zone; without special permission, private lotto is prohibited.

7) Brief answers

Are casinos legal? Yes, but only as part of the hotel/resort 300 + rooms according to the 2014 act. In practice, there are no operating casinos now.

Are slot machines legal? Yes, if licensed; stand-alone only, not connected to the central network.

What will be the "gray" installation of devices? Cap norms apply. 120 on illegal gambling houses and gambling in public places (fine/imprisonment).

Sources (primary and official)

Casino Gaming Act 2014 (requirement 300 + numbers; competencies).

Gaming Act 2016 (general frame, exclusion of casinos, definitions of "gaming "/" gaming machine ").

Gaming Regulations - SRO 48/2016 (slot machine licenses: stand-alone only, terms of other licenses).

Cap. 120 Gambling, Lotteries and Betting Act.

Gaming Secret - establishment and registration of existing operators/importers (2017).

NLA Grenada - official website and legal reservations (monopoly on lotteries, 18 +).