Basic laws: Gambling and Betting Act (1963), National Lotteries Act (1968) - Trinidad and Tobago

💡 Terminology note: Trinidad and Tobago does not have a separate "Lotteries and Gaming Act" in its classic form. The historical basis is Gambling and Betting Act 1963 (Chap. 11:19) и National Lotteries Act 1968 (Chap. 21:04), and modern reform is carried out by Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act 2021.

1) Historic Frame: Gambling and Betting Act (1963)

Purpose and scope. The Gaming, Lottery and Betting Act established a criminal legal framework for gambling, banning unlicensed casinos/slot machines, describing the responsibility for running illegal "game houses," bookmaking without permits, illegal lotteries, etc.

Key points (in essence):

prohibition of "common gaming houses" and "betting offices" without legal grounds;
regulation of sweepstakes and private clubs by related legislation (Registration of Clubs Act with reference to the 1963 Act);
grounds for equipment seizures, fines and criminal liability.

Practical effect. It was this act that outlawed classic casinos and slot machines for many years, which led to the spread of the "private members" clubs" format (private clubs with membership), which operated in a gray area until the regulation was updated.

2) The Institutionalisation of Lotteries: National Lotteries Act (1968)

Creating NLCB. The law established the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) for national lotteries, established the management, reporting and distribution of funds (sports, social programs, etc.).

What has changed in practice:

lotteries from "penumbra" switched to a legal, public format with regular circulations;
Play Whe, a culturally recognizable numerical game that has become a legal alternative to street practices, has developed on the basis of NLCB. (Confirmed by NLCB tasks and public role.)

3) Modernization ambitions: Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act (2021)

Although the request for an article is devoted to "classic" acts, the context is incomplete without the reform of 2021. Act 2021 creates the Gambling Control Commission (GCC), introduces licensing by vertical (casinos, bets, machines, suppliers, online channels), strict AML/KYC requirements and system reporting. At the time of the regulator's publications, certain parts of the act were proclaimed and implemented in stages (the rest are awaiting a full proclamation and the launch of full licensing).

4) How the acts are combined

1963 → basic prohibitions. Framework of responsibility and definitions of "game/betting" and illegal venues.

1968 → legal lotteries. Carving out a separate "white" sector (NLCB) with a public mission and sustainable funding.

2021 → integrated system. Transition from fragmented regulation to all segment licensing and GCC oversight, including future distance products.

5) Practical implications for the market and players

Lotteries. NLCB is held on the basis of the 1968 Act - the official, transparent entertainment channel that finances public projects.

Casinos/machines. Historically - under the bans of 1963 (which pushed the club model). Reform 2021 should remove greyness through licenses and GCC inspections.

Responsible play and AML. From 2021, the focus on age barriers, self-exclusion, behavioral risks, reporting and Travel Rule for providers (for payment integrations).

6) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why "Chap. 11:19" and "Chap. 21:04»?

These are the chapter numbers in the official codification of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago: Gambling and Betting - Chap. 11:19, National Lotteries — Chap. 21:04.

Why mention the 2021 act in a review of "basic laws"?

Because it gradually replaces the fragmentary system of 1963/1968, introducing uniform licenses, controls and consumer protection standards.

Are private "members club" legal?

Their historical status emerged as a "compromise" amid the 1963 bans; the final point is for the GCC licensing regime under Act 2021, which should eliminate gray areas.

7) Conclusion

To understand the gambling industry of Trinidad and Tobago, it is important to see evolution: 1963 set strict prohibitions and liability, 1968 legalized and institutionalized lotteries through the NLCB, and 2021 forms a single "modern" licensing and supervision system through the GCC. Together, these acts explain why today lotteries are an official and transparent sector, and the rest of the market is moving towards complete legalization, standardization and increased consumer protection.

Sources: Trinidad and Tobago's official law portal and parliamentary publications; GCC and NLCB materials. (See texts of acts and clarifications on references in quotes.)