New higher age limit approved for gambling in Trinidad and Tobago
The minimum age for gambling will be increased from 18 to 25.
Trinidad and Tobago.- The country’s Senate has approved legislation that will raise the minimum legal age for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis use and gambling in Trinidad and Tobago. The bill increases the legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21, while raising the minimum age for cannabis use and participation in gambling activities from 18 to 25.
The measure was approved with the backing of all 15 government senators. Twelve senators voted against the legislation, including all six opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) senators and six independent senators, while three independent senators abstained.
One of the issues raised during the debate concerned whether hookah use would fall within the scope of the new restrictions. Opposition Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul also warned that the move could push young people to offshore gambling sites while placing additional pressure on already stretched law enforcement resources.
“This bill treats adults as children and children as criminals. It sets fines no young person can pay,” he added.
The new age limit legislation is officially set to take effect in early 2027. The bill must first be signed into law by President Christine Kangaloo.
The approval of the legislation follows the passing of a new legal framework for online gambling in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month. The order removes certain provisions under Section 76 of the Gambling, Gaming and Betting Control Act, which criminalised operators that offer remote gambling services internationally from within the country. The move could allow the dual-island Caribbean nation to attract igaming operators as a base for international as well as domestic operations.
According to Attorney General John Jeremie, the remaining administrative provisions, including the rollout of online gaming licences for local and foreign operators are expected to be fully implemented on or before January 1, 2027. Between now and the January launch, the Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (GCC) will coordinate with the Central Bank to finalise operational frameworks. This includes setting up digital payment integration and electronic money issuer licensing to bring the remote market into the formal economy.
