Trinidad and Tobago Approves Remote Gambling Legislation
In a significant legislative move, the Senate in Trinidad and Tobago has approved the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) (Remote Gambling Order) 2026. This follows a unanimous approval from the House of Representatives, completing the legal process to formally regulate online gambling within the nation. The government anticipates that the full framework, including the issuance of online gaming licences, will be operational on or before January 1, 2027.
The core of this reform is the amendment of Section 76 of the Gambling, Gaming and Betting Control Act. Previously, this section criminalized operators who offered remote gambling services to an international audience from within the country. By removing this prohibition, the government aims to create an attractive environment for both domestic and global gaming companies.
A New Hub for iGaming Operators?
The updated legal landscape is designed to transform Trinidad and Tobago into a competitive hub for the iGaming industry. The legislation allows licensed entities to legally offer services from the island nation, tapping into a massive global market. This strategic shift is expected to stimulate economic activity and bring the country in line with modern digital economies.
"Through this Bill, the government has boldly taken the opportunity to establish a regulated industry which can create opportunities for economic activity while strengthening the State’s ability to monitor participating operators." - Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.
The Economic Rationale and Regulatory Framework
Government officials have strongly advocated for the new remote gambling legislation, citing major economic benefits. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo argued that regulation would unlock significant revenue streams for the government and create new employment opportunities. The move is also seen as a way to generate valuable foreign exchange.
Minister of Planning, Kennedy Swaratsingh, highlighted that unregulated remote gambling was already occurring. He noted that bringing it under a legal framework allows for proper oversight while enabling the nation to participate in a global industry projected to hit US$700 billion by 2028. The new law replaces outdated acts from 1963, which were created long before the internet existed.
Next Steps: Licensing and Payments
The path to the January 2027 launch involves crucial administrative steps. The Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (GCC) will work closely with the Central Bank to establish the necessary operational structures. Key tasks include creating a clear process for issuing remote gambling licences to local and foreign operators and integrating digital payment systems.
This coordination is vital for ensuring the remote market is seamlessly brought into the country's formal economy. The framework will also include licensing for electronic money issuers to support the digital transactions inherent in online gaming.
| Feature | Previous Legislation (Pre-Order) | New Legislation (Post-Order) |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Gambling | Criminalized for international services | Permitted with a licence |
| Licensing | Not available for remote operators | To be issued by GCC from 2027 |
| Economic Impact | Limited, unregulated market | Aims for tax revenue, jobs, and foreign exchange |
| Regulation | Outdated (1963 acts) | Modern, monitored framework |
Opposition Voices Concerns Over New Law
Despite the government's optimism, the legislation faced scrutiny. Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi questioned the rapid pace at which the order was passed through the legislature. He raised concerns about the lack of specific details on how licensing would be regulated by the GCC, which was appointed back in 2022.
Furthermore, Al-Rawi questioned how the government plans to manage the potential for significant foreign exchange outflow from the country. In response, Attorney General John Jeremie assured that these operational and regulatory details would be fully addressed before the January 2027 implementation date.
A Look at the Current Market
The push for regulating Trinidad and Tobago online gambling is supported by the performance of its existing land-based sector. Minister Tancoo revealed that there are currently 1,150 registered gaming accounts with the Board of Inland Revenue. In 2025, the sector generated approximately TTD 72.66 million (US$10.74 million) in revenue.
A recent enforcement exercise between October 2025 and February 2026 further demonstrated the sector's potential, collecting around $15.58 million in payments. These figures reinforce the government's argument that bringing more gambling activity into a regulated system can significantly expand the national tax base and formalize a thriving industry.
