Port of Spain, October 19, 2026. Trinidad and Tobago has approved legislation raising the minimum gambling age from 18 to 25, while preparing to regulate online betting by January 2027. The Senate passed the measure on October 7, with 15 votes in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions.
The Miscellaneous Provisions Bill No. 17 of 2026, introduced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's government and defended by Attorney General John Jeremie, amends seven laws, including the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act No. 8 of 2021. The legislation also raises the minimum age for alcohol and tobacco to 21, and for cannabis to 25. The House of Representatives had previously approved the proposal on September 30, by 23 votes to ten.
John Jeremie
The bill provides fines of up to TT$50,000 for certain offenses involving individuals under 25, while operating remote gambling services without a license could carry penalties of TT$5 million and seven years in prison. It also introduces access controls, age verification requirements, and mandatory signage, alongside alternative rehabilitation programs allowing 28 days to begin the process and requiring 30 hours of community service.
Meanwhile, the Senate approved the Remote Gambling Order 2026 on October 2, following its issuance on September 15, to establish remote gambling licensing under the supervision of the Gambling Control Commission.
Davendranath Tancoo
The regulator is headed on an interim basis by Jewel-Ann Troja, with Syreeta Ferdinand serving as Chief Financial Officer. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo and Kennedy Swaratsingh, responsible for economic planning, are involved in developing the regulatory framework. The Central Bank, headed by Governor Larry Howai, is involved in establishing financial controls and electronic payment systems.
President Christine Kangaloo is involved in the presidential assent process. Opposition Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul questioned the restrictions on young adults, while Marlene Attzs, Francis Lewis, and Alicia Pauline Lalite-Etienne abstained. Implementation of the new minimum gambling age is expected in 2027, although an official effective date has not yet been confirmed.
