Regulatory AuthorityGaming, Racing and Betting Authority
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Unregulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
Land-based casinos are legal but restricted, with only one having operated in the past
Residents cannot participate in most forms of gambling; only the national lottery is available to locals
Online gambling is unregulated, with no local operators but access to offshore sites
The minimum legal age for gambling is 18
Regulations focus on ensuring fair gaming practices, such as secure dealing shoes and card handling
There is no specific legislation or authority for online gambling regulation
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The principal legal framework governing gambling in Saint Lucia is established by the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act. This Act provides comprehensive regulation of gaming, racing, and betting activities within the country. It defines the scope of legal gambling, sets out provisions for the operation and management of gaming establishments, and outlines offenses and penalties related to unlawful gambling activities. The Act also includes detailed schedules and regulations addressing operational standards for various gaming activities, such as the handling of gaming equipment and the conduct of games.
Additionally, the Gaming Control Act, as part of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, further supports the regulation of land-based gambling. This legislation was designed to legalize and regulate games of chance and to provide a legal basis for the establishment and oversight of casinos and other gaming operations. However, it is important to note that while land-based gambling is regulated, there is currently no specific legislation or regulatory framework addressing online gambling in Saint Lucia.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Saint Lucia are carried out by a regulatory authority established under the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act. This authority is responsible for the administration and supervision of all legal gambling activities in the country. Its core responsibilities include:
Implementing and enforcing the provisions of the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act
Supervising the operation of gaming establishments and ensuring compliance with legal requirements
Maintaining registers of licensed gaming operators and related activities
Investigating violations and imposing penalties for breaches of gambling laws
Issuing policy directions and guidance to operators as mandated by the Minister responsible for gaming
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s gambling licensing framework is primarily governed by the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act. The Act provides for the regulation of land-based gambling activities, including casinos, gaming machines, and betting. However, there is currently no specific licensing regime for online gambling operators, and no authority issues licenses for online casinos or internet betting within the jurisdiction.
Casino License: Permits the operation of land-based casinos offering table games and slot machines.
Gaming Machine License: Required for the possession and operation of slot machines or similar gaming devices in approved premises.
Betting License: Authorizes the operation of betting shops or facilities for wagering on races or sporting events.
Lottery License: The national lottery is regulated separately and is not open to private operators.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a formal application to the relevant authority established under the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act.
The application must include detailed information about the applicant, business structure, source of funds, and proposed gambling operations.
Background checks are conducted on all principal individuals and shareholders.
The premises intended for gambling operations must meet specific security and operational standards as outlined by the authority.
Supporting documents, such as business plans, financial statements, and proof of capital, are required.
Duration and Renewal Conditions
Licenses are typically granted for a fixed period, commonly one year.
Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiration date, accompanied by updated documentation and payment of renewal fees.
The authority reviews ongoing compliance with operational and financial requirements before granting renewals.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be of good character and demonstrate financial stability.
Corporate applicants must be properly registered and in good standing with local authorities.
All key personnel must pass fit and proper assessments, including criminal background checks.
Applicants must not have any prior convictions related to gambling or financial crimes.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Application fees and annual licensing fees vary depending on the type and scale of operation.
Casino license fees are generally higher due to the nature and potential revenue of such establishments.
Applicants may be required to provide proof of sufficient capital to cover operational costs and player payouts.
Security deposits or performance bonds may be required as a condition of licensing.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict adherence to operational procedures, including security protocols for gaming equipment and cash handling.
Regular reporting to the regulatory authority on financial performance and compliance matters.
Implementation of responsible gambling measures and customer protection protocols.
Maintenance of accurate records and availability for inspection by regulatory officers.
Immediate notification to the authority of any significant changes in ownership, management, or business operations.
Note: There is currently no licensing framework for online gambling operators in Saint Lucia, and no licenses are issued for online casinos or internet betting. All licensed gambling activities are land-based, and the regulatory regime is focused on physical establishments and devices.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s taxation system for gambling operators is primarily governed by the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act. The Act provides for the imposition of taxes and fees on licensed gambling operations, but as of the most recent available information, details on specific tax rates for different types of gambling (such as casinos, betting shops, or lotteries) are not publicly itemized in the legislation or official summaries. The law does authorize the imposition of taxes and regulatory fees on operators, which are typically set out in schedules or determined by the regulatory authority.
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Basis
Typical Tax Rate
Land-based Casinos
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or license fee
Not publicly specified; set by regulatory authority
Betting Shops
Gross Turnover or license fee
Not publicly specified; set by regulatory authority
Lottery
Gross Sales or license fee
Not publicly specified; set by regulatory authority
Basis for Taxation
Taxation is generally based on either gross gaming revenue (GGR), total turnover, or a fixed license fee, depending on the type of gambling operation.
The exact basis and rate are determined by the relevant authority and may be outlined in the operator’s license or in schedules to the Act.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Licensed gambling operators are required to keep detailed records of all gaming transactions and revenues.
Operators must submit periodic reports to the regulatory authority, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis, detailing gross revenues and calculating the tax due.
Taxes and fees must be paid in accordance with the schedule specified by the authority, usually within a set period after the end of each reporting period.
Failure to comply with reporting or payment requirements can result in penalties, suspension, or revocation of the operating license.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no publicly documented tax incentives or exemptions specific to gambling operators in Saint Lucia.
Any special provisions or negotiated tax arrangements would be set out in the terms of an operator’s license or by ministerial direction, but such arrangements are not published in the general law.
Due to the limited number of licensed gambling operators and the absence of a dedicated online gambling regulatory framework, the taxation system is primarily applicable to land-based operations and the national lottery. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, operators should consult the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act and communicate directly with the regulatory authority.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participation in gambling activities in Saint Lucia is 18 years old.
Operators are required to verify the age and identity of players to prevent underage gambling. This typically involves checking government-issued identification documents at entry or registration points.
Prohibited Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions
The majority of land-based gambling activities are legal for tourists, but are generally not available to residents. The only form of gambling permitted for locals is participation in the Saint Lucia National Lottery.
There is a clear prohibition on the possession or operation of slot machines or devices similar to slot machines for general public use, except as specifically allowed under regulated circumstances.
Online gambling is not regulated locally. There are no licensed online gambling operators based in Saint Lucia, and no official framework exists for regulating or restricting offshore sites. However, local operators are not permitted to offer online gambling services.
Specific technical requirements and restrictions exist for certain games, such as the mandated use of multi-deck dealing shoes for blackjack and baccarat, and strict controls over the handling and destruction of playing cards to prevent fraud and ensure game integrity.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and promotion of gambling services must not target individuals under the legal gambling age.
Operators are expected to ensure that marketing materials are not misleading, do not encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling, and do not make false claims about the chances of winning.
There are restrictions on the placement and content of gambling advertisements, particularly in media accessible to minors or vulnerable populations.
Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures
Operators are required to implement responsible gambling practices, including providing information on the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling support.
Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues or activities.
Staff training on responsible gambling and the identification of problem gambling behaviors is mandated to ensure early intervention and support for at-risk individuals.
Clear signage and information regarding responsible gambling and helplines must be displayed prominently within gambling venues.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Land-based gambling venues are generally restricted to tourist areas and are not widely available to residents. The operation of casinos and similar establishments is subject to location approval by the relevant authorities.
There are no licensed online gambling operators based in Saint Lucia, and local access to online gambling is only possible through offshore providers, which are not regulated or authorized by local authorities.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1998
Gambling in Saint Lucia limited primarily to state lotteries; no formal regulatory framework for casino gaming.
2004
Gaming Control Act enacted, providing the first comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of games of chance and allowing for the establishment of land-based casinos.
2006
Saint Lucia National Lottery launched, becoming the only legal gambling option available to residents.
2010
Treasure Bay Casino opened as the first and only licensed land-based casino in Saint Lucia, following the regulatory changes from the 2004 Act.
2018
Amendments made to the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act, updating regulatory provisions and schedules.
2020
Treasure Bay Casino closed, leaving Saint Lucia without any operational land-based casinos.
2023
Revised Laws of Saint Lucia published, consolidating and updating gambling-related legislation, including the Gaming, Racing and Betting Act.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
Gaming equipment, such as slot machines and card dealing devices, must meet specific operational standards to ensure integrity and fairness. For example, dealing shoes for table games must be inspected daily for tampering or abnormal mechanisms, and must be securely attached to tables during gaming hours and locked away otherwise.
All gaming devices and systems must be regularly inspected by authorized personnel to verify compliance with technical requirements and to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Cards and other physical gaming materials must be destroyed or cancelled in accordance with prescribed procedures to prevent reuse or tampering. This includes daily destruction or cancellation by the security department, using methods such as drilling holes through cards.
There are currently no explicit, published requirements for software certification or independent testing of online gambling platforms, as Saint Lucia does not regulate online gambling operators locally.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
Operators are required to implement measures to protect the privacy and security of player data, including secure storage and restricted access to sensitive information.
There are no explicit, published requirements regarding the physical location of servers for gambling operators. However, data protection standards must be adhered to, and any data storage must be secured against unauthorized access.
Operators must ensure that all data related to gaming activity, transactions, and player identification is stored securely and is accessible to authorized regulatory personnel upon request.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must implement robust AML procedures, including customer identification, transaction monitoring, and reporting of suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
KYC procedures require the verification of player identities before allowing participation in gambling activities. This includes collecting and verifying official identification documents and maintaining up-to-date customer records.
Operators are required to keep records of all transactions and customer interactions as part of their AML compliance obligations.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators must maintain accurate and complete financial records of all gaming activities, including detailed logs of wagers, payouts, and operational expenses.
Regular financial reporting to the regulatory authority is required, with reports subject to external audit to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
Records must be retained for a specified period and be readily available for inspection by authorized regulatory officials.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators are expected to implement technical measures to support responsible gambling, such as self-exclusion mechanisms and limits on deposits or playtime.
Systems must be in place to identify and intervene with players exhibiting signs of problem gambling, and to provide access to responsible gambling resources.
All responsible gambling tools must be integrated into the operator’s gaming platform and be accessible to players at all times.
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.
