Casinos in tourist areas (Trinidad and Tobago)

Introduction: what counts as a "casino" in Trinidad and Tobago resorts

The country has historically been dominated by private members" clubs - membership clubs with a fleet of slots and tables; classic resort casinos are only being transferred to a single licensing system under the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021, which has so far been partially proclaimed. This is done by the Gambling Control Commission (GCC); full implementation is in stages.

Tourist areas of Trinidad

Port of Spain & vicinity: MovieTowne/Invaders Bay

The most "tourist" cluster of the capital is the MovieTowne shopping and entertainment complex near Invaders Bay. The Royal Princess Members Club operates here - a large hall with approximately ~ 160 + slots and 8-9 tables (roulette, blackjack, 3-card poker), 24/7; the site is explicitly referred to as part of MovieTowne.

Why is it convenient for a tourist: walking distance of cinema, restaurants and the embankment; frequent evening events - on the club's social pages.

Woodbrook/Ariapita Avenue (nightlife)

Ariapita Avenue Bar and Restaurant Street is the second magnet for guests. Here is located MaPau Aria (corner of Fitt St & Ariapita Ave), which gives address and contacts in directories and on the official page; format - slots + several tables, often indicate round-the-clock mode. Nearby are other chamber members-clubs like Players (O'Connor St., Woodbrook).

Why is it convenient for a tourist: bar-hopping, food and clubs on the same street; can be combined with a visit to the halls in the evening.

Tourist areas of Tobago

Crown Point/Pigeon Point (airport resort area)

Small playgrounds are concentrated around Pigeon Point beaches and Crown Point Airport. Guidebooks and catalogs celebrate Casino Royale 88 (mentions of 100 + slots and tables, casino + sports bar format) and Crown Point Casino (site activity is visible on public pages).

Scarborough / Shirvan Road

The lists include Silver Dollar Casino - Tobago (Scarborough, Shirvan Plaza) and neighboring properties, which is confirmed by casino cards and aggregators. These are compact members-club halls.

What's inside: games, mode, access

Games. Typical set: slots (from classics to videos) and several tables (roulette, blackjack, sometimes 3-card poker); large clubs in the capital have a fleet of slots that can exceed 150-180 units.

Mode. Metropolitan sites often work 24/7 (see profiles/websites of a particular club).

Access. Members-only format: registration and document are usually at the entrance, the age limit is 18 +.

Legal context: why it matters to a tourist

Transition to unified supervision. The GCC officially announces that the 2021 law is partially proclaimed: a commission has been established, recruitment is underway and preparations are underway for the full launch of licensing/inspections. Prior to full implementation, the term "casino" in advertising/catalogs usually means members-club.

Practical advice. Check the current rules of the hall (hours, dress code, photo/video bans) on the official pages of the sites before the visit.

Quick short list by location

MovieTowne/Invaders Bay (POS): The Royal Princess is a large selection of slots and tables in the entertainment complex.

Ariapita Avenue (POS): MaPau Aria + bar street; nearby chamber clubs (Players).

Crown Point (Tobago): Casino Royale 88, Crown Point Casino are compact venues within walking distance of beaches and the airport.

Scarborough (Tobago): Silver Dollar Casino - Tobago (Shirvan Plaza) and nearby map/directory properties.

Responsible play and safety

Plan your budget and time, take breaks, keep tickets/receipts.

Check options to get back (taxi/transfer) after late visits to Ariapita or MovieTowne.

Remember: GCC members position reform as aimed at protecting the consumer and market transparency - follow the commission's announcements.

In the tourist areas of Trinidad and Tobago, you can play - but more often these are members" clubs, and not "resort casinos" in the classical sense. It's convenient for guests, with clubs standing right in the MovieTowne and Ariapita Avenue entertainment clusters in Port of Spain, and in Tobago next to Crown Point and Scarborough. In 2025, the market is on the path of "whitewashing": GCC is gradually introducing the 2021 law regime, so check the current rules of the sites - and play responsibly.