Trinidad and Tobago raises minimum gambling age to 25

Trinidad and Tobago's Senate approved legislation raising the minimum legal age for gambling from 18 to 25. The measure passed by 15 votes to 12 with three abstentions, and all 15 supporting votes came from government senators. The law takes effect in early 2027 once it receives assent from President Christine Kangaloo.

Independent senators Dr. Marlene Attzs, Francis Lewis and Alicia Pauline Lalite-Etienne abstained, while the remaining independents joined the opposition in voting against the legislation. Focus Gaming News reported that it is the third major initiative in recent weeks in which the executive attracted no supporting vote from the opposition or independents. The change also amends age limits for alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption, according to the report.

During the debate, attorney general John Jeremie defended the age increase as a regulatory measure supported by medical and international evidence, citing examples from the United States, Canada, Sri Lanka, Lithuania and Singapore. He said the legal drinking age in several territories had been raised to 21 on medical grounds, and described the bill's penalties as "responsible and proportionate".

Opposition senator Vishnu Dhanpaul warned that the 25-year threshold could push young people towards offshore platforms and increase pressure on police resources. He said the bill treats adults as children and children as criminals, and sets fines that no young person can pay. Independent and opposition senators questioned restricting access for adults aged 18 to 24 who can already vote, marry, sign contracts or join the security forces.

The change comes weeks after approval of a new online gambling framework that removes restrictions on operators offering remote betting services from the country. According to Jeremie, online gambling licences for local and foreign operators should be operational by 1 January 2027 at the latest. The Gambling Control Commission is working with the Central Bank on digital payment frameworks and e-money licensing.