Although Private Members’ Clubs in Trinidad and Tobago were exempt from the ban imposed under the Gambling and Betting Act on anyone establishing or owning a ‘common gaming house’, an amendment to the Act now cancels the exemption if the Members’ Club operates slot machines. The Finance Act 2007 amendment was passed by the House of Representatives on 13 June and by the Senate on 27 June.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning assented to the new measure on 10 July and President George Maxwell Richards has now signed the legislation. As yet no date has been announced for the amendment to come into force and Members’ Clubs at present are continuing to operate slot machines, the most lucrative part of their business.

In his 2006/2007 Budget speech given on 7 October 2006, Patrick Manning said that the emerging trends of casino-type gaming activities are of great concern to the Government. He went further, saying that the Government is totally against the operation of casinos and all casino type establishments. His proposals included the banning of the importation and use of all slot machines.

The Gambling and Betting Act will be enforced so that Private Members’ Clubs must operate within the confines and original intent of the law, meaning that they cannot engage in gambling activities that involve payments being made to the house. The Government is also moving to eliminate the entire system of online gaming. (E-08.06.07)

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