Gambling has been legal in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines since 1968 under the Gaming and Betting Control Act.
The legal gambling age is 18 years old for all forms of gambling activities.
Land-based casinos are technically permitted, but there are currently no operational casinos in the country.
Online gambling is not specifically regulated, and there are no clear laws governing online betting or casinos.
Gaming licenses must be obtained from the Gaming Authority for legal operation of gambling businesses.
There is no taxation on online gambling winnings for players, but operators must comply with licensing requirements.
Strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws apply to all financial activities, including gambling.
Technical Compliance Assistance
Our specialists will help you understand technical compliance requirements for gambling operations
Legislation
Primary Legislation
The principal legal framework governing gambling in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is established by the Gaming and Betting Control Act. This Act serves as the main statute regulating gaming and betting activities within the country. It outlines the legal definitions of gambling, sets the foundation for the regulation of gaming and betting operations, and provides the statutory basis for oversight and enforcement. The Act primarily addresses land-based gambling, including casinos and betting establishments. Notably, the legislation does not specifically regulate online gambling or remote gaming activities, resulting in a lack of explicit legal provisions for internet-based gambling services.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are the responsibility of the designated Gaming Authority, as established under the Gaming and Betting Control Act. This authority is tasked with regulatory supervision and the implementation of the Act’s provisions. Its core responsibilities include:
Ensuring compliance with the Gaming and Betting Control Act
Monitoring and supervising gambling and betting activities
Enforcing the statutory rules and regulations related to gaming operations
Addressing violations and taking enforcement action as provided by law
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses Available
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers gambling licenses primarily under the framework of the Gaming and Betting Control Act.
Licenses are available for land-based gaming activities, including casinos, betting shops, and lotteries.
Online gambling is not specifically regulated; there is no formal licensing system for online casinos or remote betting operations at this time.
Application Process for Gambling Licenses
Applicants must submit a formal application to the Gaming Authority of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The application must include detailed documentation, which typically covers business plans, information on company ownership and structure, and details about the proposed gambling operations.
Applicants are required to provide proof of identity and background information for all key individuals involved in the business.
Supporting documents, such as financial statements and evidence of financial stability, may be required.
Payment of an application fee is mandatory upon submission.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
Licenses are generally issued for a fixed period, commonly one year, after which they must be renewed.
Renewal requires the submission of updated documentation and payment of renewal fees.
Eligibility is determined based on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate financial soundness, integrity, and compliance with the requirements of the Gaming and Betting Control Act.
Key persons must pass background checks to ensure no criminal history or associations with illicit activities.
Licensing Costs, Fees, and Financial Requirements
Applicants must pay an initial application fee, the amount of which can vary depending on the type and scale of the gambling operation.
Annual licensing fees are also required, with the amount determined by the specific type of license and the size of the operation.
Operators may be required to maintain a minimum level of capital or provide financial guarantees to ensure their ability to meet obligations.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses
Operators must comply with all provisions of the Gaming and Betting Control Act and any regulations issued by the Gaming Authority.
Regular reporting to the regulator may be required, including financial statements and operational updates.
Operators must implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) controls and adhere to responsible gambling standards.
Failure to comply with licensing conditions can result in suspension or revocation of the license.
Summary Table: Licensing System Overview
Aspect
Details
Types of Licenses
Land-based casinos, betting shops, lotteries; no formal online gambling licenses
Application Process
Submission to Gaming Authority with supporting documents and fees
Duration and Renewal
Typically 1 year, renewable with updated documents and fees
Costs and Fees
Application and annual fees; amount varies by license type and operation size
Key Requirements
Financial stability, background checks, AML controls, regulatory compliance
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a comprehensive or dedicated taxation system specifically for gambling operators, either land-based or online. There are currently no published tax rates or formal tax schedules that apply exclusively to gambling operations. The country’s approach to gambling taxation is characterized by the absence of specific gambling taxes, reflecting the limited regulatory framework for both land-based and online gambling.
Basis for Taxation
There is no established basis for gambling-specific taxation such as Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), turnover, or other standard gambling tax metrics.
General business taxes may apply to gambling operators as they would to any other business entity, but there are no additional or special tax rates for gambling activities.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
There are no unique tax reporting or payment procedures mandated for gambling operators in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Operators may be subject to general corporate tax filing and payment obligations as required for all businesses in the jurisdiction.
No specific deadlines, forms, or reporting frequencies are prescribed for gambling-related taxation.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions specifically targeted at gambling operators.
Online gambling winnings are not currently subject to taxation for players, and there are no published incentives for operators.
Summary Table: Gambling Taxation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Type of Gambling
Tax Rate
Basis
Special Provisions
Land-based Casinos
None specified
Not defined
No special tax regime
Online Gambling
None specified
Not defined
No special tax regime
In conclusion, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not impose dedicated gambling taxes or maintain a formal tax regime for gambling operators. Any tax obligations would fall under the general business tax framework, and there are currently no special requirements, incentives, or exemptions for the gambling sector.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 18 years old. Operators are required to ensure that players meet this age requirement, typically through age verification and identification checks. This applies to both land-based and any regulated online gambling activities.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
There are currently no land-based casinos operating in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, despite casino gambling being legal in principle.
Online gambling is not specifically regulated under current laws; there are no explicit prohibitions on specific types of gambling activities, but there is also no framework for regulating or restricting particular games or betting products.
Unlicensed gambling operations are prohibited, and operating without proper authorization can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
There are no detailed or specific advertising and marketing restrictions outlined for gambling operators in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Operators are generally expected to avoid targeting minors and to comply with general advertising standards, but there are no codified responsible marketing requirements specific to gambling.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
There are no comprehensive responsible gambling requirements or mandated player protection measures in place under current regulations.
Operators are not legally required to provide responsible gambling tools such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, or access to problem gambling support services.
General anti-money laundering and financial crime prevention measures may apply to gambling operators, requiring some level of customer due diligence.
Geographic or Location Restrictions for Gambling Venues
There are no operational land-based casinos or gambling venues currently active in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
There are no specific geographic zoning or location-based restrictions for gambling venues codified in the current regulatory framework.
Gambling Regulatory Consultation
Get expert advice on gambling regulations and operational requirements
Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1968
Gambling is legalized in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through the adoption of foundational legislation.
1977
The first casino opens in Kingstown, marking the start of regulated casino operations in the country.
1990s
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines issues a number of online gaming licenses, but these operations are short-lived and most are closed by the end of the decade.
2000s
Little regulatory progress is made toward modernizing or expanding gambling laws, particularly regarding online gambling.
2013
Proceeds of Crime Act is enacted, introducing measures to address money laundering, including in relation to gambling activities.
2014
Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations are introduced, impacting financial oversight of gambling operations.
2017
Amendments to anti-money laundering and terrorist financing laws further strengthen regulatory oversight, including for gambling-related activities.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
There are currently no specific software certification or technical standards requirements for gambling operators in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The jurisdiction does not have detailed regulations or technical guidelines for gambling software, random number generators, or game fairness testing.
Online gambling is not specifically regulated, and there are no published technical standards for remote gaming platforms or systems.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
There are no explicit data protection or privacy requirements tailored to gambling operators in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
No regulations mandate the physical location of servers or require data to be stored within the country for gambling operations.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has implemented comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing legislation, reflecting international standards such as the FATF Recommendations.
Operators, if subject to AML oversight, must implement customer due diligence procedures, including identity verification, monitoring of transactions, and reporting of suspicious activities.
Requirements include maintaining records of customer identification and transactional data, as well as reporting large or suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Enhanced due diligence may be required for higher-risk customers or transactions.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
There are no gambling-specific financial reporting or auditing standards published for operators in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Under general AML laws, operators must keep adequate records of customer transactions and identification for a minimum period specified by law, typically five years.
Operators may be required to provide information to regulatory or law enforcement authorities upon request as part of AML compliance.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Technical Implementation
There are no specific technical requirements or mandatory responsible gambling tools for operators in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
No obligations exist for self-exclusion systems, deposit limits, or player protection mechanisms from a technical implementation perspective.
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.
