Trinidad and Tobago online gambling legislation approved in bid to attract igaming operators

Regulated online gambling in Trinidad and Tobago is set to go live from January 2027 following Senate approval of the Remote Gambling Order.

Key takeaways:

• The country’s senate has approved legislation intended to legalise remote gambling in Trinidad and Tobago.
• The reform removes provisions that previously criminalised operators offering remote gambling services internationally, opening the door for the country to attract both domestic and international igaming businesses.
• The government expects the process for the issuance of remote gambling licences and the supporting regulatory framework to be in place by January 1, 2027.

Trinidad and Tobago.- The legal framework for online gambling in Trinidad and Tobago has passed its final legislative step. The Gambling (Gaming and Betting) (Remote Gambling Order 2026 received Senate approval on Friday (October 2), days after receiving unanimous approval from the House of Representatives

The order removes certain provisions under Section 76 of the Gambling, Gaming and Betting Control Act. These previously criminalised operators that offer remote gambling services internationally from within Trinidad and Tobago. The elimination of the prohibition 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.

Government arguments for regulated remote gambling in Trinidad and Tobago

Promoting the legislation, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo had argued that the move could unlock significant economic opportunities and generate new government revenue. He noted that existing legislation barred operators in Trinidad and Tobago from offering remote gambling services to people in other countries, with penalties ranging from fines to up to ten years’ imprisonment.

Speaking in favour of the order, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh also noted that despite prohibition, the practice of unregulated remote gambling had not been eliminated. He said the amendments could create revenue, employment and generate foreign exchange by allowing the country to participate in a thriving global industry expected to reach US$700bn in revenue by 2028.

“Overall, the data indicates overall growth in the sector. In light of the objective of this order, which is to legislate remote gambling and create economic opportunity, the figures paint a positive picture for Trinidad and Tobago in the gambling sector,” he added.

He noted that previous legislation under the Gambling and Betting Act of 1963 and the Registration of Clubs Act and the Liquor Licences Act was drawn up before the internet and other technological developments. He stressed that while the Order would permit holders of a remote gambling licence from the Gambling Control Commission to offer remote gambling, they would be required to adhere to rules.

“We intend to do this through proper regulation, rather than simply permitting unrestricted gambling activity,” he said. “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”.

Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi had questioned the speed at which the order was passed and wanted details on how licensing would be regulated. He noted that four years have passed since the Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago was appointed in 2022. He also questioned how the government planned to deal with a foreign exchange out of the country that he said was likely to occur. Jeremie said such issues would be addressed in or before January.

Gambling in Trinidad and Tobago today

Demonstrating the scale of the existing regulated gambling market in Trinidad and Tobago, Tancoo previously told the House of Representatives that there are currently 1,150 registered gaming-related accounts with the Board of Inland Revenue: 926 Gaming Amusement Tax accounts and 224 Club Gaming Tax accounts.

Revenue from the sector reached approximately TTD 72.66m (US$10.74m) in 2025, consisting of $15.06m in Gaming Amusement Tax and $57.60m in Club Gaming Tax. He highlighted the results of a co-ordinated enforcement exercise carried out between October 2025 and February 2026, which generated 247 payments across 240 Gaming Amusement Tax accounts worth approximately $15.58m.

Arguing that remote gambling could significantly expand the country’s tax base, Tancoo said: “Figures demonstrate that regulated gaming already provides a measurable revenue stream and reinforce the importance of bringing additional gambling activity within the formal system. The revenue implications to TT are very positive as there’s the ability to gain revenue on a global scale if this remote gambling industry becomes successful.”

FAQs

What does Trinidad and Tobago’s Remote Gambling Order 2026 change?
It removes provisions in Section 76 of the Gambling, Gaming and Betting Control Act of 2021 that prohibited operators in Trinidad and Tobago from offering remote gambling services internationally.

When will Trinidad and Tobago online gambling licences become available?
Attorney General John Jeremie said the remaining administrative measures, including procedures for licensing for local and foreign operators, are expected to be fully implemented on or before January 1, 2027.

Why is the government supporting remote gambling regulation in Trinidad and Tobago?
Ministers argue that regulation can generate new tax revenues, employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings while bringing existing online gambling activity into a monitored and regulated system rather than leaving it unregulated.