Is Gambling Legal in Barbados? Laws & Regulations Explained 2025

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Barbados Gaming Authority

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Unregulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Unregulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

All gambling activities in Barbados are regulated under the Betting and Gaming Duties Act and Gambling Act.
Casinos are not permitted; only licensed operators may offer gaming machines and betting services.
Online gambling operators must obtain a license from the Barbados Gaming Authority and comply with AML rules.
Licenses require payment of substantial fees and adherence to responsible gaming and compliance standards.
Operators are taxed on Gross Gaming Revenue and must also pay standard corporate income tax on profits.
Club-based gaming is allowed with strict membership and notification requirements before participation.
Lotteries and public gambling are tightly controlled, with contracts for lottery ticket sales declared void by law.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The gambling industry in Barbados is governed by two primary pieces of legislation that establish the legal framework for all betting and gaming activities in the country. The main legislative instruments are:

The Betting and Gaming Act (Cap. 134A) - This comprehensive legislation regulates various forms of gambling activities in Barbados, including gaming machines, betting, and gaming in clubs. It establishes the licensing regime and sets forth the fundamental legal parameters for gambling operations.
The Gambling Act (Cap. 134) - This act addresses broader gambling activities and provides additional legal provisions concerning gambling contracts, lottery tickets, and gambling in public places or licensed premises.

These acts collectively form the cornerstone of Barbados' gambling regulatory framework, defining what constitutes legal gambling activities and establishing the parameters within which operators must function. The legislation distinguishes between different types of gambling activities and establishes separate regulatory approaches for each category.

Regulatory Authority

Gambling activities in Barbados are overseen by the Barbados Gaming Authority, which serves as the primary regulatory body responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the country's gambling laws. The Authority operates under the mandate established by the primary legislation.

Issues gambling licenses to qualified operators
Monitors compliance with regulatory requirements
Enforces anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines
Oversees responsible gaming practices
Administers the regulatory framework for both land-based and online gambling operations

The regulatory structure in Barbados distinguishes between different forms of gambling, with specific provisions for gaming machines, which may only be operated by licensed operators under the Betting and Gaming Duties Act. The current legal framework notably does not permit traditional casinos in Barbados, though it does allow for certain forms of regulated gaming activities under proper licensing. The Barbados Gaming Authority maintains jurisdiction over both traditional gambling venues and interactive (online) gambling operations that fall within the country's regulatory scope, ensuring that all gambling activities adhere to the established legal framework.

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses in Barbados

Gaming Machine License: Required for the operation of gaming machines (such as slot machines) in approved premises. Casinos as traditionally defined are not permitted, but gaming machines may be operated by licensed venues.
Betting License: Issued for the operation of betting activities, such as sports betting or pool betting, under specific terms set by the authorities.
Amusement Arcade License: Required for venues operating amusement machines that may or may not involve gambling elements.
Club Gaming License: Allows private clubs to offer certain gaming activities to their members, subject to eligibility and membership requirements.
Online Gambling License: Operators offering online gambling services must obtain a license from the relevant authority to legally provide such services to residents and non-residents.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted to the Barbados Gaming Authority or equivalent regulatory body, depending on the type of license sought.
Applicants must provide detailed information about the business, including ownership structure, financial standing, and operational plans.
For club gaming licenses, applicants must demonstrate compliance with membership and notification requirements (for example, a 48-hour waiting period after membership application before participation in gaming is allowed).
Background checks on key individuals and corporate entities are standard, focusing on integrity, financial probity, and absence of criminal records.
Applicants may be required to submit anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gaming policies as part of the process.

Duration and Renewal of Licenses

Licenses are typically granted for a fixed period, commonly one year, but the duration may vary depending on the license type.
Renewal applications must be submitted before expiry, accompanied by updated documentation and payment of renewal fees.
Renewal is contingent on continued compliance with all regulatory requirements and satisfactory operational history.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be legal entities registered in Barbados or otherwise approved by the regulatory authority.
Key persons involved in the operation must be of good character and financial standing.
For club gaming licenses, only bona fide club members may participate, and strict membership procedures must be observed.
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to maintain secure, fair, and responsible gaming operations.

Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

License Type	Application Fee	Annual License Fee	Other Financial Requirements
Online Gambling License	USD 100,000	USD 100,000	May require a deposit or guarantee; subject to change by authority
Gaming Machine License	Varies (set by authority)	Varies (per machine or venue)	Financial stability and reporting required
Betting License	Varies	Varies	Proof of financial resources and compliance
Amusement Arcade License	Varies	Varies	Depends on number and type of machines
Club Gaming License	Varies	Varies	Club membership and operational controls

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

Strict adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gaming regulations.
Maintenance of accurate records and submission of regular reports to the regulatory authority.
Payment of all required fees and charges on time.
Implementation of robust internal controls and security measures.
Immediate reporting of any significant changes in ownership, management, or operational structure.
Continued compliance with all conditions set out in the license and relevant regulations.

Gambling Tax

Gambling Operator Tax Rates in Barbados

Barbados permits certain forms of gambling, specifically lotteries, horse racing, and slot machines located in licensed venues such as hotels and bars. Casino gambling is prohibited, and there is currently no licensing or taxation regime for online gambling operators based in Barbados.

Type of Gambling	Tax Rate	Tax Basis
Lotteries	Specific rates apply (details not publicly disclosed; typically set by government contract with the Barbados Lottery Association)	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or turnover, as defined by government agreement
Horse Racing	Specific rates apply (details not publicly disclosed; typically set by government or racing authority)	Turnover or betting pool, as defined by regulatory agreement
Slot Machines	Specific rates apply (details not publicly disclosed; typically a fixed fee or percentage per machine or venue)	Per machine or venue, as set by local authorities
Online Gambling	Not regulated or taxed	Not applicable
Casino Gambling	Prohibited	Not applicable

Basis for Taxation

For permitted forms of gambling (lotteries, horse racing, slot machines), taxation is typically based on either gross gaming revenue (GGR), turnover, or fixed fees per machine or venue, as defined by the relevant government contract or regulatory authority.
There is no published, unified gambling tax code; terms are set by government contracts or administrative arrangements.

Tax Reporting and Payment Procedures

Operators of legal gambling activities (such as the Barbados Lottery Association and licensed slot machine venues) are required to report revenues and remit taxes or fees according to the terms of their government contract or license.
Reporting is typically periodic (monthly or quarterly), with payments due to the relevant government agency or treasury.
Detailed reporting requirements and payment schedules are specified in the operator’s agreement with the government or regulatory authority.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

No general tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators are published for Barbados.
Special provisions, if any, would be outlined in the specific government contract or license agreement with the operator.
Online gambling operators are not licensed or taxed, and there are no incentives or exemptions for this sector.

Note: Due to the limited scope of legal gambling in Barbados and the absence of a public, comprehensive gambling tax code, most details (such as exact rates and payment schedules) are determined by individual agreements with the government or relevant authority. There is no taxation framework for online or casino gambling, as these are not permitted or regulated.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participating in licensed gambling activities in Barbados is 18 years.
Operators are required to verify the age and identity of players before allowing access to gambling services, typically through valid identification documents.
For club-based gaming, individuals must apply for membership in person and wait at least 48 hours after application or written notice before participating in gaming activities. This process serves as an additional safeguard to verify age and eligibility.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

Casinos are not permitted in Barbados. Any form of casino gaming, including table games and slot machines operated as part of a casino, is strictly prohibited.
Gaming machines may only be operated by licensed operators and are subject to strict regulation.
Lotteries are regulated, and the sale of lottery tickets is controlled. Contracts for the sale of lottery tickets outside authorized channels are void.
Gambling or betting in public places or on unlicensed premises is not allowed.
Online gambling is subject to specific licensing and regulatory requirements; unauthorized online gambling operations are prohibited.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Advertising of gambling services must not target minors or vulnerable individuals.
Marketing materials must not mislead about the nature of gambling or the chances of winning.
Promotional activities are restricted to prevent excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior.
Operators must ensure that all advertising complies with responsible gambling guidelines and does not encourage illegal or unlicensed gambling.

Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

Operators are required to implement responsible gambling measures, including providing information about the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling support.
Self-exclusion options must be available for players who wish to restrict their own access to gambling services.
Operators must have procedures in place to identify and assist players showing signs of problem gambling.
Anti-money laundering (AML) procedures must be followed, including customer due diligence and reporting of suspicious activities.
Information on responsible gambling must be prominently displayed at gambling venues and on gambling websites.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Gambling activities are only permitted at venues and premises that hold the appropriate licenses; unauthorized locations are strictly prohibited from offering gambling services.
Public gambling is not allowed; gambling must take place only in licensed or otherwise authorized private venues.
Importation and operation of gaming machines are restricted to licensed premises.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1963	Gambling Act (Cap. 134) enacted, providing the first legal framework for gambling activities in Barbados.
1965	Betting and Gaming Duties Act (Cap. 134A) introduced, establishing regulation and taxation for betting and gaming, including licensing of gaming machines.
1977	Major amendments made to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act, refining licensing and regulatory provisions for gaming operations.
1998	Further amendments to the Betting and Gaming Duties Act to address technological changes and new forms of gaming.
2010	Government discussions initiated on modernizing gambling legislation, including the potential regulation of online gambling.
2016	Drafting and consultation on new gambling legislation to update and consolidate existing laws, with a focus on regulating online gambling and strengthening oversight.
2020	Barbados Gaming Authority established to oversee licensing and regulation of all gambling activities, including online operators.
2024	Online gambling operators formally required to obtain licenses from the Barbados Gaming Authority, with updated compliance, tax, and responsible gaming requirements implemented.

Requirements

The Betting and Gaming Act includes provisions specifically addressing "Gaming by means of Machines" and requires valid gaming, amusement arcade, or amusement machine licenses. The law also regulates the importation of gaming machines, suggesting that technical standards for these devices exist but aren't specifically outlined in the available information.

Anti-Money Laundering and KYC Requirements

Online gambling operators must adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines. While specific procedures aren't detailed in the search results, compliance with these guidelines is mandatory for operators in Barbados.

Financial Reporting and Auditing

Operators are subject to financial oversight, including:

Taxation on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), calculated as the total amount wagered minus winnings paid out
Corporate income tax on profits generated by the gambling business

Responsible Gambling Measures

The Betting and Gaming Act includes provisions for the exclusion of minors from gambling activities, indicating that age verification systems must be implemented. Additional responsible gambling tools may be required, but specific technical implementations aren't detailed in the search results.

Operational Restrictions

Several operational requirements are mentioned:

Restrictions on games that can be played
Regulations on charges for taking part in gaming
Restrictions on providing credit for gaming
Limitations on gaming on Sundays
Requirements for approval of certain persons connected with gaming

It's important to note that while casino gambling is not legal in Barbados and there are no casinos on the island, other forms of gambling such as slot machines, lotteries, and betting on horse races are permitted under specific regulations.

Sources

Legislation Resources

Gambling Act (Cap. 134) - Official legislation governing gambling in Barbados (PDF)
Barbados Law Courts - Laws of Barbados - Official portal for all statutes and legislative documents