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TT vs Jamaica vs Dominican Republic
Comparison with Jamaica and the Dominican Republic
(for country: Trinidad and Tobago)
The Caribbean region is patchy, with jurisdictions with different regulatory models, depth of tourist flow, and the role of the gambling sector in the economy nearby. Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is an industry where lotteries and ground halls are significant, and online is still being formed. Jamaica is a mature "offline-mixed" model with a strong role for bookmaking and gaming halls, plus a limited casino sector. The Dominican Republic is a major tourist magnet with a wide network of casinos and active modernization of rules, including online. Below is a structural comparison.
1) Regulation and institutions
Trinidad and Tobago. The regulatory framework has been adopted (Gambling Control Act 2021), created by the Gambling Control Commission; full licenses require a full proclamation and secondary. The lotteries are managed by the NLCB and already produce steady receipts and daily circulations.
Jamaica. Stable system under the supervision of Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC): bookmaking, slot machines/halls, lotto are licensed; the casino industry is permitted through the limited integrated resort model. Online as a separate "full-fledged" sector is limited, but betting/betting in digital channels is developing within the regulatory framework.
Dominican Republic. For many years, strong offline (casino at hotels/resorts, slot salons, sports betting); in 2024-2025, the authorities update the rules and introduce a modern basis for the online segment. Regulatory vertical - Ministry of Finance/Casino and Gambling Directorate and related departments.
Total: in terms of clarity of the "rules of the game" for the ground segment, the Dominican Republic is in the lead, followed by Jamaica; TT is close to the final step - a complete proclamation and the launch of licensing (including online).
2) Market structure and content
Trinidad and Tobago. "Anchor" - NLCB lotteries (Play Whe, Lotto Plus, Pick 2/4, etc.) and a network of ground clubs/slot halls; casinos are more often part of hotel/city chamber-format venues.
Jamaica. Multiple "gaming lounges" and betting offices, a strong lottery ecosystem, limited casino projects as part of tourism and MICE.
Dominican Republic. A full-fledged resort model: dozens of hotel casinos, slot salons throughout the country, developed F&B and show components, a powerful link with all-inclusive tourism.
3) Online segment (digital channel)
TT: online is de facto unregulated locally; access - through international platforms, which creates a gap in consumer protection and taxes.
Jamaica: the digital component develops in a mode "fastened" to offline frames (betting, lotto/number games); the full "iGaming license" of the wide funnel is limited.
Dominican Republic: vector - for the formalization of online licensing and technical standards (path to transparent payments, RG, reporting).
4) Tourism and night economy
TT: The main value is the "evening anchor": slots/tables + bar/shows support hotel and F&B loading, especially in Tobago.
Jamaica: gambling product - part of "mix" along with music/gastro/excursions; bookmakers and gambling halls are strong as "bad weather" and "evening" content.
Dominican Republic: Casinos are a hallmark of resorts along with beaches; high multiplier on F&B, events and shopping.
5) Taxes and fiscal revenues (in general terms)
TT: guaranteed flow - 10% deduction from lottery winnings over the threshold; for the onshore segment - profile fees/taxes. Licenses and regulatory payments, including online, are expected on the horizon of the full proclamation.
Jamaica: the state structurally collects revenue from bookmaking, halls and lotteries; casinos add share but do not dominate.
Dominicana: Casino/Slot Salon Fees - Significant and Projected Source; digitalization of reporting enhances collectability.
6) Social policy and control
TT: 18 +, KYC/AML and Responsible Gaming, emphasis on GCC preparation; NLCB conducts educational work.
Jamaica: Established BGLC control, strong advertising and age oversight, emphasis on ground point compliance and bookmakers.
Dominican Republic: mass tourism ↔ control balance; operator requirements, emphasis on safety, RG and auditing.
7) Summary table
8) Opportunities and risks for TT against the background of neighbors
TT strengths:- Powerful lottery habit and wide retail;
- Clear "night" demand in cities and resorts;
- An almost ready-made standard is one step away from "enabling" licenses.
- Full proclamation of the law and launch of the register of licenses;
- Exact rules for online (licenses, payments, RG and reporting);
- Stay & play travel packages with a focus on safe leisure.
- "Gray" online and street games erode demand and fiscal revenues;
- Dominican competition for the highly profitable tourist;
- Personnel deficit (compliance, IT payments, slot equipment) with a sharp increase.
9) Invest profiles: where is whose "niche"
TT: small and medium-sized venues, urban high-street halls, boutique-casinos at hotels; lottery integrations; when launching online - localized iGaming services with responsible marketing.
Jamaica: bookmaking/halls, urban entertainment cluster; partnerships with the concert/sports scene.
Dominican Republic: large resort complexes "casino + show + F&B," premium VIP services, large-scale live studios and MICE.
10) Roadmap for TT (against the background of the best practices of neighbors)
1. Proclamation and secondary: clear B2C/B2B licenses, RNG/live technical standards, reporting and RG packages.
2. Payment loop: rules for cards/e-wallets/crypto, Travel Rule, consumer protection and chargeback procedures.
3. Enforcement: manuals for communication providers and banks; "white" lists, denigration of illegal immigrants.
4. Tourism: typical packages (weekend/MICE/romance & play), night safety routes, partnerships with music/sports.
5. Personnel: training program for dealers/cash registers/slot technicians, compliance certification, intersectoral mobility.
6. ESG/RG: hotline, self-exclusion, default limits, public reports.
11) Forecast to 2030 (for TT in comparison)
Base case: proclamation → first licenses → increased transparency; The TT is closing the gap with Jamaica on structure and with the Dominican Republic on tourist packaging.
Accelerated: fast online licensing, MOUs with banks/PSP, hard work with illegal immigrants - TT becomes the "regional hub" of payment and compliance competence.
Inertial: postponement of secondary housing - leakage to offshore continues, and tourism misses the evening upsell; Jamaica and the Dominican Republic consolidate the lead.
Mini-FAQ
Where is it easier to launch a resort casino "right away"?
In the Dominican Republic - due to the large-scale tourist flow and the established resort model.
Where is the bookmaking and city halls stronger?
Jamaica has a historically wide network and a recognizable consumer pattern.
Where is the largest "upside" for online now?
In Trinidad and Tobago - with a complete proclamation of the law and a clear secondary.
On the Caribbean map, Dominican Republic is a "resort giant," Jamaica is an "urban mix" of bets and halls with a limited casino segment, and Trinidad and Tobago is a rapidly maturing market with a strong lottery base and a large upside in online and tourist evening content. The key to breaking the 2030 TT is a full proclamation, transparent rules for online gaming, secure payments and ESG/RG standards that will turn current potential into a measurable contribution to tourism and the budget.