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Is Gambling Legal in Bahamas?

Regulated
Gambling is regulated under the Gaming Act, 2014, with licensing and oversight for casinos and domestic gaming operations.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Gaming Board for The Bahamas
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Regulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • The Gaming Act, 2014 is the primary legislation governing all forms of gambling in the Bahamas.
    • The Gaming Board for The Bahamas is the main regulatory authority overseeing licensing and compliance.
    • Casino gaming is legal and licensed, but Bahamian citizens and residents are prohibited from gambling in local casinos.
    • Separate licenses are required for operators, suppliers, and gaming employees, each with strict vetting procedures.
    • All licensed operators must comply with anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism regulations.
    • Online gambling is regulated under the same framework, but only licensed domestic operators may offer services.
    • Gaming revenue is subject to taxation, with rates and reporting requirements set by the Gaming Act and regulations.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The core legal framework governing gambling in The Bahamas is established by the Gaming Act, 2014. This Act serves as the principal statute for the regulation, control, and oversight of all forms of gaming activities within the country. The Act is supported by the Gaming Regulations, 2014, which provide detailed rules and procedures for implementing the provisions of the Act. Together, these instruments modernize the regulatory regime, clarify the scope of legal gambling activities, and set out the standards for compliance and enforcement.
      • Gaming Act, 2014: The main legislative act that governs all aspects of gaming, including the definition, regulation, and control of gaming activities.
      • Gaming Regulations, 2014: Subsidiary legislation that details the operational and procedural requirements for gaming operators and activities as stipulated by the Gaming Act.
      • Lotteries and Gaming Act (as amended): This Act historically provided the legal basis for gaming and lotteries in The Bahamas and continues to apply to certain aspects not fully covered by the newer legislation.
      • Financial Transactions Reporting Act: While not exclusively a gaming law, this Act imposes anti-money laundering and record-keeping obligations on licensed gaming operators, integrating financial compliance into the gaming legal framework.

      Regulatory Authority

      The primary regulatory and supervisory body for gambling in The Bahamas is the Gaming Board for The Bahamas. This statutory authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Gaming Act and related regulations, overseeing the conduct of gaming activities, and safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry.
      • Administers and enforces the provisions of the Gaming Act and Regulations
      • Monitors and supervises all licensed gaming activities and operators
      • Issues guidelines and directives to ensure regulatory compliance
      • Conducts investigations and takes enforcement actions as necessary
      • Implements anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism measures within the gaming sector

      License Types

      Overview of Gambling Licensing in Bahamas

      The Bahamas has a well-established system for regulating gambling activities, primarily overseen by the Gaming Board. This system includes various types of licenses designed for different aspects of the gaming industry.

      Types of Licenses

      The licensing framework in the Bahamas caters to different sectors of the gaming industry:

      • Operator's License: Required for entities operating gaming establishments, including casinos. This license mandates compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations.
      • Suppliers' License: Necessary for companies supplying or distributing gaming devices, software, or hardware, as well as those repairing gaming equipment within the Bahamas.
      • Gaming Employee License: Mandatory for employees working in licensed gaming establishments. This includes key employee licenses for executives, directors, or agents with direct control over gaming operations.

      Application Process and Requirements

      Eligibility and Application

      To apply for a license, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which typically include background checks and financial assessments. The application process involves submitting detailed documentation to the Gaming Board for review.

      Key Requirements

      • Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and capability to operate a gaming business.
      • Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks are conducted on key personnel.
      • Compliance with Regulations: Licensees must comply with AML/CFT regulations and other legal requirements.

      Duration, Renewal, and Costs

      License Duration

      Licenses are typically issued for a specific period, after which they must be renewed.

      Renewal Conditions

      Renewal requires ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and may involve periodic audits or assessments.

      Licensing Costs and Fees

      The costs include application fees, licensing fees, and potential annual renewal fees. These costs can vary based on the type of license and the specific requirements of the Gaming Board.

      Financial Requirements

      Licensees are required to maintain adequate financial resources to ensure the integrity and stability of their gaming operations. This includes provisions for player protection and compliance with financial reporting obligations.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses

      To obtain and maintain a license, operators must adhere to strict regulatory standards, including:

      • Compliance with AML/CFT Regulations: Regular reporting of suspicious transactions and maintenance of detailed financial records.
      • Employee Licensing: Ensuring all relevant staff hold the necessary gaming employee licenses.
      • Operational Integrity: Maintaining high standards of operational integrity and transparency in all gaming activities.

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in The Bahamas

      Type of Gambling Operation Tax Rate Basis of Taxation
      Casinos Up to 17.5% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Web Shops (Domestic Online Betting) Varies (typically 11% to 15%) Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Gaming House Operators Varies (subject to specific license agreements) Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      The primary basis for gambling taxation in The Bahamas is Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is defined as the total amount wagered minus winnings paid out to players. Different categories of operators may be subject to specific rates or minimum annual tax obligations, as determined by their license agreements and the type of gaming activity.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Gambling operators are required to maintain accurate records of all gaming transactions and revenues.
      • Tax returns must be filed with the Gaming Board and relevant tax authorities on a periodic basis, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on the operator’s license conditions.
      • Payments of gaming taxes are generally due at the time of filing the return, and must be made via approved banking channels.
      • Operators are subject to regular audits and compliance checks by the Gaming Board to ensure proper reporting and payment of all gaming taxes.
      • Failure to comply with reporting or payment obligations can result in penalties, interest charges, or suspension of the gaming license.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • Casino operators may be eligible for negotiated tax rates or incentives as part of their individual license agreements, especially for large-scale resort projects.
      • There are no general exemptions from gaming taxes, but the government may grant specific relief or incentives on a case-by-case basis to encourage investment or expansion in the gaming sector.
      • Some gaming-related services or suppliers may be subject to different tax treatment or exemptions, depending on their role and the terms of their licensing.
      All gambling operators must adhere strictly to the tax requirements as stipulated by the Gaming Act and their respective license agreements. The Gaming Board of The Bahamas is the primary authority overseeing tax compliance within the sector.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in the Bahamas is 18 years. Individuals under this age are strictly prohibited from entering gaming areas or engaging in any form of gambling.
      • Licensed gambling operators are required to verify the identity and age of all players. This is typically achieved through the examination of official identification documents such as passports or government-issued IDs.
      • Operators must implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to prevent underage gambling and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Unlicensed gambling activities are strictly prohibited. Only licensed casinos and approved gaming establishments may offer gambling services.
      • Lotteries, unless specifically authorized by the government, are generally not permitted for the general public.
      • Online gambling is restricted to licensed operators; unauthorized online gaming platforms are illegal.
      • Bahamian citizens and residents are generally prohibited from gambling in land-based casinos, which are primarily reserved for tourists and non-residents. Exceptions may exist for certain regulated domestic gaming sectors, but these are tightly controlled.
      • Specific games or betting types may be restricted or subject to approval by the Gaming Board, and any unauthorized games are not allowed.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • All advertising and marketing of gambling services must be conducted in a socially responsible manner and must not target minors or vulnerable persons.
      • Gambling advertisements are prohibited from making misleading claims or suggesting that gambling is a means to financial success.
      • Promotional materials must include clear information about the minimum age for participation and responsible gambling messages.
      • Operators are restricted from advertising gambling services in locations or media primarily accessed by minors.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators are required to display responsible gambling information prominently within gaming venues and on their websites, including helpline numbers and support resources.
      • Self-exclusion programs must be offered, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
      • Staff must be trained to recognize signs of problem gambling and to intervene appropriately, including providing information about support services.
      • Operators must implement measures to prevent money laundering and ensure the integrity of gaming operations, such as transaction monitoring and reporting suspicious activities.
      • Limits on deposits, losses, and time spent gambling may be available to help players manage their behavior.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Land-based casinos are generally located within resort properties and are primarily accessible to tourists and non-residents; Bahamian citizens and residents face significant restrictions on access to these venues.
      • Gambling venues must be licensed and may only operate in approved locations as determined by the Gaming Board of the Bahamas.
      • Mobile and online gambling services are restricted to platforms licensed and regulated within the jurisdiction.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1969 The Lotteries and Gaming Act is enacted, establishing the legal foundation for gambling regulation in The Bahamas and creating the Gaming Board for The Bahamas as the primary regulatory authority.
        August 1969 The Gaming Board for The Bahamas is officially established to oversee lotteries and gaming activities under the new Act.
        November 2014 A comprehensive reform of gambling laws is implemented with the passage of the Gaming Act 2014, the Gaming Regulations 2014, the Gaming House Operator Regulations 2014, and the Financial Transactions Reporting (Gaming) Regulations 2014. This modernizes the regulatory framework, introduces robust licensing, and formally regulates the domestic online gaming sector.
        2015 The Gaming Rules 2015 are introduced, further detailing regulatory requirements and operational standards for gaming operators.
        2023 The Bahamian government begins debating potential legislative changes to allow residents of The Bahamas to gamble in casinos, which had previously been prohibited under existing law.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • All gaming devices, systems, and software used by operators must be certified, authorized, and approved by registered independent gaming laboratories. These laboratories ensure compliance with technical standards set by the Gaming Board for The Bahamas.
        • Operators are required to use only approved gaming equipment and software that meet the technical requirements specified in the Gaming Regulations, 2014 and related rules.
        • Technical standards cover aspects such as randomness, fairness, security, and integrity of gaming systems, including online and mobile platforms.
        • Regular testing and re-certification may be required to maintain the integrity and compliance of gaming systems.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • Operators must implement robust data protection and privacy measures to safeguard customer information and transactional data.
        • Gaming data and player records must be stored securely, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
        • There are requirements for secure transmission and storage of sensitive data, including encryption and secure server infrastructure.
        • Operators may be required to maintain gaming servers within The Bahamas or in jurisdictions approved by the Gaming Board to ensure regulatory oversight and data accessibility.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators must comply with the Financial Transactions Reporting (Gaming) Regulations, 2014, which mandate comprehensive AML and KYC procedures.
        • Customer identification and verification are required before establishing a gaming account or conducting certain transactions.
        • Operators must monitor transactions for suspicious activity and report any suspicious or unusual transactions to the relevant authorities.
        • Ongoing due diligence is required for customers, especially for high-value or high-risk accounts.
        • Staff must be trained on AML and KYC procedures to ensure compliance at all operational levels.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • Operators are required to generate and submit daily Wagering Summary Reports to the Gaming Board, detailing gaming revenue and transaction variances.
        • Comprehensive financial records must be maintained, including transaction logs, player account histories, and audit trails for all gaming activities.
        • Operators are subject to regular audits by independent auditors approved by the Gaming Board to verify compliance with financial and operational standards.
        • All records must be retained for a period specified by the regulations, ensuring they are readily accessible for inspection by the Gaming Board or other authorities.

        Responsible Gambling Tools and Technical Implementation

        • Operators must implement responsible gambling tools and features as required by the Gaming Board, such as self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit limits, and loss limits.
        • Technical systems must support the immediate enforcement of player-imposed limits and self-exclusion requests.
        • Operators are required to display responsible gambling information and provide access to support resources within their platforms.
        • Systems must be capable of generating reports on responsible gambling measures and their usage for regulatory review.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information

        • Gaming Board for The Bahamas Address: 2nd Floor, Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-4555, Nassau, Bahamas Phone: +1 (242) 397-9200 Email: info@gamingboardbahamas.com
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          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 22 April 2025