The House of Representatives has approved legislation paving the way for the licensing and regulation of remote gambling in T&T.
Remote gambling refers to gambling conducted remotely using technology such as the internet, telephone, television or other electronic means.
Previously, gambling operators in T&T were prohibited from offering remote gambling services internationally, with penalties ranging from a $5 million fine and seven years’ imprisonment to a $10 million fine and ten years’ imprisonment.
However, the Government has now moved to establish a legal framework for the industry, with legislation passed in the House of Representatives receiving the support of both Government and Opposition members.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said licensing remote gambling will bring both existing and new operators into the formal economy, ensuring that they contribute tax revenue.
“This new step that we are proposing to take, that is, to license remote gambling from Trinidad and Tobago, will allow existing and new operators to pay their fair share to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago via the Board of Inland Revenue. The alternative, Mr Speaker, if we do not do this, what happens? If we do not do this, Mr Speaker, we will be encouraging persons and businesses to conduct remote gambling on the ground and therefore become associated with the world problem that exists.”
Minister Tancoo noted that regulated gaming is already generating significant revenue for the State, with collections totalling approximately $72.66 million in 2025 and $71.3 million to date in 2026.
“These numbers represent an indication, a clear indication, that regulated gaming already, Mr Speaker, provides measurable revenue stream to the State and free, and this reinforces the need, Mr Speaker, of bringing additional gambling activity within the formal system.”
The Minister also assured that remote gambling operations and digital payment systems will remain under the supervision of existing regulatory authorities, including the Gambling Control Commission and the Central Bank.
“The Government’s approach to licensing and digital payment issues is that these matters will continue to be regulated by the relevant regulators in Trinidad and Tobago. In this case, the Gambling Gaming and Betting Control Commission and the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. The public is well aware that the Central Bank has already begun licensing e-money issuers and began public consultations on a payment systems and services bill licensing, where these systems will be regulated by the Central Bank.”
Minister Tancoo maintained that years of prohibition failed to curb gambling activity and instead created opportunities for unregulated operations to thrive.
He argued that the new framework will establish a properly regulated industry capable of generating employment, attracting foreign exchange and increasing Government revenue.