Legality of land casinos, gambling halls and lotteries - Trinidad and Tobago

Short answer

Lotteries in Trinidad and Tobago are legal and run by the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) based on the National Lotteries Act, Chap. 21:04 (1968). It is an official, publicly controlled sector.

Classic casinos have not historically been legalized: the basic criminal legal framework of Gambling and Betting Act, Chap. 11:19 (1963) prohibited "common gaming houses" and other forms of gambling establishments without a special legal framework.

In practice, instead of "casinos," private members" clubs (membership clubs) worked with slot machines - a "compromise" format until the large-scale reform of 2021.

Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021 adopted and partially proclaimed: the Gambling Control Commission (GCC) is created and licensing of casinos/halls/betting is laid, but the full mode is introduced in stages.

Lotteries: Fully legal and institutionalised

The National Lotteries Act (1968) established the NLCB "to promote and host national lotteries." This gives the state a mandate to launch and manage games (Play Whe, Lotto Plus, Pick 2/4, Cash Pot, Scratch, etc.), as well as to use income for socially useful purposes. Official materials confirm the legal status of NLCB and its products.

Casinos and gaming halls: what was and what is changing

• Gambling and Betting Act (1963) classifies gambling houses as prohibited without a special legal framework, which actually excluded legal "casinos" in the classical sense.
• In the regulation vacuum, the private members" clubs (membership clubs) model spread, where slot machines/video lottery terminals stood; these clubs were identified through the Registration of Clubs Act and treated by financial intelligence as "listed businesses" with AML/CFT responsibilities.

• Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021 creates a GCC and introduces a licensing system (casinos, bets, slot machines, suppliers, in the future - remote channels). As of now, not all parts of the law are proclaimed, the GCC indicates that only part of the sections are valid; full launch - step-by-step.
• In parallel, the public field is discussing new fees and requirements for casinos/clubs (including annual payments for roulette tables and machines) in conjunction with the 2021 act, which signals a move towards a transparent fiscal model.

What it means "here and now" for terrestrial formats

1) Lotteries (NLCB)

Fully legal and conducted by a public institution; schedules and results are published officially.

2) Casino in the classical sense

Historically not legalized under the 1963 act; industry reviews explicitly noted the lack of "legitimate casinos," despite the existence of clubs "by membership." Bottom line: without a new license under Act 2021, the status quo remains restrictive.

3) Gaming halls/" private members "clubs"

Allowed as membership clubs (outside full casino licensing), but under the supervision of AML/CFT (FIU) and club legislation; it is expected to transfer to the regime of explicit licensing and inspections as part of the implementation of Act 2021.

Why reform was needed

Parliamentary and government documents emphasize: the 1963 frame is outdated and does not cover the modern industry, which became the driver for the adoption of Act 2021 - for the sake of unified licensing, inspections, reporting and player protection standards (RG/AML).

Responsible play and AML/FT

Even before the full launch of the license system, horizontal supervision is in effect: FIU classifies clubs, lotteries, and certain types of betting (pool betting) as "supervised" participants, which means registration, internal control and reporting requirements. By the act of 2021, expectations are increasing: age barriers, self-exclusion, transparent advertising, AML/KYC and technical reporting.

Practical conclusions for players and business

Check lotteries: Participation in NLCB games is a legal and transparent channel.

Regarding casinos/gaming halls: until the full licensing regime under Act 2021 was launched, classic "casinos" as such remained outlawed according to the historical framework, and the clubs acted in a special mode. Keep an eye on the GCC communique on the stages of proclaiming sections of the act and the new licensing rules.

Compliance: It is important for club and hall operators to comply with FIU (AML/CFT) requirements now and prepare for the transition to a new system of permits, fees and inspections.

The legal landscape is simple in essence: lotteries are legal and centralized in the NLCB, and casinos/gaming halls have historically been in restrictive and "club" status due to the Gambling and Betting Act (1963). The adoption and partial proclamation of the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act (2021) triggers the transition to a unified licensing and oversight system through GCC. As the act is fully implemented, a transparent fiscal model, uniform RG/AML standards and clear rules for land-based casinos and halls are expected.

Links and accents: official texts of laws and portals (Revised Laws, Parliament), GCC website, FIU and NLCB materials.