Comparison with Guyana and Trinidad

Key conclusions in one paragraph

After the reform of 2023, Suriname has a full-fledged framework: local online licenses (ceiling - up to 3), supervision of the Gaming Control Board Suriname (GCBS), mandatory requirements for land-based casinos (at least 3 hotels).

Guyana only allows casinos as part of major hotels/resorts - legally a new hotel with a minimum of 150 rooms overseen by the Guyana Gaming Authority; the online segment does not have a separate local license.

Trinidad and Tobago modernized: Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021, which creates the Gambling Control Commission; in 2024-2025 the authorities announced a complete proclamation and introduction of regulation (including rules and consultations).

1) Regulators and basic laws

Suriname. From September 13, 2023, there is an updated Wet Hazardspelen (S.B. 2023 No. 135), as well as updates to Wet Toezicht en Controle Kansspelen (S.B. 2023 No. 134). The entire industry is overseen by GCBS (Toezicht en Controle Instituut voor Kansspelen).

Guyana. Casino regulation - through the Guyana Gaming Authority; permits are tied to major hotel/resort projects (see below). Sources confirm that the regulator has been issuing appropriate licenses since 2009.

Trinidad and Tobago. Adopted Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021, which established the Gambling Control Commission (GCC). In 2024, the Minister of Finance and the Media announced preparations for the full proclamation of the act and the introduction of the regime: consultations, finalization of the rules, a plan for "full implementation" by the end of 2024/beginning of 2025.

2) Online market: status and trend

Suriname. Local online casinos are allowed only under a national license issued by the President on the advice of GCBS; the law explicitly introduces a ceiling of 3 licenses and extends the ban to unlicensed online activity, even if servers are abroad.

Guyana. There is no separate local licensing regime for online casinos/online betting; the market has historically been described as offline-oriented with a narrow range of licenses for hotel projects. (Public submissions from the regulator and the press focus on land-based casinos at major hotels, see section below.)

Trinidad and Tobago. The new 2021 law covers "gaming and betting" in general and provides for licensing online activities through GCC; in 2024-2025 there was a preparation of the by-law base and the launch of full supervision, incl. FAQ and regulations on the commission's website.

3) Land casinos: facility requirements

Suriname. Casino operation is allowed only inside the hotel at least 3, with additional access controls and visitor identification (21 +). This follows from the text Wet Hazardspelen 2023.

Guyana. The key license requirement is a new hotel/resort with a minimum of 150 rooms (historical clarifications also mentioned bar 4). These conditions were repeatedly confirmed by public statements by the Gaming Authority and press publications.

Trinidad and Tobago. Before the full implementation of the new law, the sector was characterized as "poorly regulated" ("private members" clubs" with devices are common). The 2021 Act introduces a unified licensing regime for sites and operators; the authorities announced the imminent introduction of strict rules and supervision.

4) Institutional status and implementation stage

Suriname: the framework is already in effect - the basic laws of 2023 are published and applied; GCBS maintains a "Wet- en Regelgeving" section and publishes documents. Additionally, in 2024, Loterijbesluit was adopted for the new Loterijwet.

Guyana: Gaming Authority ground casino requirements and powers apply; discussions on expanding licensing are periodically renewed (for example, government plans to increase licensing amid hotel construction).

Trinidad and Tobago: Commission (GCC) established and communicates preparations for launching full oversight; In August-September 2024, the Minister of Finance confirmed the "eminent" full proclamation and the introduction of rules from the beginning of 2025.

5) Comparative table (verbally)

• — Суринам: GCBS (Toezicht en Controle Instituut voor Kansspelen).
• Guyana: Guyana Gaming Authority.
• Trinidad and Tobago: Gambling Control Commission (GCC).

• Suriname: allowed under local license (up to 3 licenses at a time).
• Guyana: there is no separate local license for online operators (focus - ground facilities).
• Trinidad and Tobago: provided by law 2021, active stage of implementation in 2024-2025.

• Suriname: 3 + hotels only.
• Guyana: 150 + rooms (4 historically mentioned) in new hotels/resorts only
• Trinidad and Tobago: transition to licensing and supervision of GCC under the act of 2021 (before that - weak regulation of clubs/devices).

6) What it means for Suriname operators and content

1. Positioning of Suriname. Against the background of its neighbors, Suriname already has a "full-fledged" legal framework, including an online segment, with clear limits and GCBS supervision. This is beneficial for predictability and compliance.

2. Guyana risk profile. Access to the market is limited to capital-intensive hotel projects (150 + rooms), and there is no online licensing as a separate circuit. Projects without hotel components do not pass the "entrance."

3. Window of opportunity in Trinidad and Tobago. Taking into account the launches of the GCC and the by-law base in 2024-2025, the market is moving towards "white" regulation. But before the full proclamation, caution and tracking of the publications of the commission/Ministry of Finance are important.

7) Sources and references for deepening

Suriname: Wet Hazardspelen (S.B. 2023 No. 135) - PDF; GCBS pages listing laws; Loterijwet 2023 и Loterijbesluit 2024.

Guyana: Stabroek News publications and others supporting the "150 numbers" requirement and the role of Gaming Authority.

Trinidad and Tobago: Text of Act 2021; GCC website; statements by the Ministry of Finance and news about the proclamation/regulations 2024-2025.