Gambling is legal and regulated, with updated laws and oversight by a dedicated commission; casinos and gaming machines operate under licensing and compliance requirements.
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Regulatory AuthorityTurks & Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Regulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
The Gaming Control Commission is the statutory authority overseeing all gambling activities in Turks and Caicos Islands.
Two new gaming bills passed in January 2024 introduced stricter regulation and updated tax rules for gaming operators.
Gaming taxes are now calculated from adjusted gross receipts, with a 30% tax cap specifically for gaming machines.
Licensed casinos must pay required gaming taxes within 15 days each month, as mandated by recent legislation.
The minimum legal age for gambling in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 21 years.
The regulatory framework includes robust anti-money laundering and responsible gaming measures for all licensees.
Most gambling is focused on boutique casinos and slot machines, with large-scale casinos not permitted on the islands.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The legal framework governing gambling in the Turks and Caicos Islands is established primarily through the Gaming Control Ordinance and its subsequent amendments. The core legislation includes:
Gaming Control Ordinance: This is the principal law regulating all forms of gaming and gambling activities in the jurisdiction. It sets out the legal definitions, requirements, and prohibitions related to gaming operations, including casinos and gaming machines.
Gaming Control (Amendment) Bill: Passed in January 2024, this amendment further refines the regulatory structure, updating provisions to better address industry developments and regulatory needs.
Gaming Machine (Amendment) Bill: Also enacted in January 2024, this legislation specifically addresses the regulation of gaming machines, including operational and compliance requirements.
Proceeds of Crime Ordinance: This law, together with the Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of Terrorist Financing Regulations and Code, imposes obligations on gaming operators to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing within the sector.
These laws collectively form the foundation for the regulation, oversight, and integrity of gambling activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Regulatory Authority
The primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands is the Turks & Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission. This statutory authority is tasked with implementing and enforcing the relevant gaming legislation and ensuring compliance across the industry.
Regulates and supervises all gaming and gambling activities within the jurisdiction
Issues guidance and regulations to ensure integrity, fairness, and transparency in the gaming sector
Implements anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures specific to gaming operations
Monitors compliance with all relevant laws and investigates potential violations
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses Available
Casino License: Required for operating physical casinos with table games and slot machines. Only a small number of boutique-style casinos are licensed, primarily on Providenciales.
Gaming Machine License: Required for the operation and placement of slot machines outside of full-scale casinos, such as in bars and restaurants. This license covers route operators managing multiple slot machine locations.
Application Process for Gambling Licenses
All gaming operators must apply through the Turks & Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission, the statutory authority overseeing the licensing and regulation of gambling activities.
The application process typically involves submitting a detailed application form, business plan, and supporting documentation, including proof of identity and financial standing of the applicant and key personnel.
Applicants must undergo client due diligence procedures, including background checks and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance assessments.
The Commission may require in-person interviews or site inspections as part of the evaluation process.
Applications are reviewed for compliance with local regulations, responsible gaming standards, and suitability of the applicant.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
Licenses are typically granted for a fixed period, often one year, and must be renewed annually.
Renewal requires continued compliance with all regulatory requirements, submission of updated documentation, and payment of renewal fees.
Eligibility criteria include a clean criminal record, financial solvency, and demonstrated capability to operate a gaming business responsibly.
Key personnel and significant shareholders may also be subject to suitability checks.
Licensing Costs, Fees, and Financial Requirements
Licensing fees vary depending on the type and scale of the operation (casino or gaming machine route operator).
Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee upon submission.
Successful applicants are required to pay an annual license fee, which is set by the Gaming Control Commission and may be subject to periodic adjustment.
Additional fees may apply for background checks, site inspections, and compliance monitoring.
Operators may be required to demonstrate minimum capital reserves or provide financial guarantees to ensure the solvency and integrity of their operations.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations, including the implementation of robust internal controls and reporting mechanisms.
Collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory authorities in the investigation and reporting of suspicious transactions.
Ongoing training for staff on AML/CTF compliance and responsible gaming practices.
Regular audits and inspections by the Gaming Control Commission to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Maintenance of accurate records and timely submission of required reports to the Commission.
Operators must actively promote responsible gambling and implement measures to prevent problem gambling within their establishments.
Summary Table: Key Aspects of Licensing
Aspect
Details
Types of Licenses
Casino License, Gaming Machine License
Application Process
Submission to Gaming Control Commission, due diligence, compliance checks
The Turks and Caicos Islands regulate gambling primarily through land-based casinos and a national lottery. The specific tax rates applied to gambling operators are determined by the relevant ordinances and enforced by the Gaming Control Commission. However, publicly available information does not provide detailed, up-to-date figures for the exact tax rates for each type of gambling operation. The following table summarizes the known structure:
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate
Basis for Taxation
Land-based Casinos
Not publicly disclosed
Typically Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or turnover, as is standard in the region
Lottery (TCI Lotto Games)
Not publicly disclosed
Presumed GGR or ticket sales
The government does not currently license or tax online gambling operators. Only land-based casinos and the national lottery are authorized.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Licensed gambling operators are required to maintain accurate records of all gaming activity and revenue.
Operators must submit periodic reports to the Gaming Control Commission, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis, detailing gaming revenues and taxes due.
Payment of taxes is generally required at the time of filing these reports, with late payments subject to penalties.
The Commission has the authority to audit operators to ensure compliance with tax obligations.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There is no public information indicating the existence of tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions for gambling operators in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
All authorized operators are expected to comply fully with the standard tax regime as set by the relevant ordinances and enforced by the Gaming Control Commission.
Due to the lack of detailed public disclosure, operators are strongly advised to consult directly with the Gaming Control Commission or a local tax advisor for precise and current tax obligations.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for gambling in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 21. All gambling establishments are required to verify the age of patrons, typically through government-issued identification, to ensure compliance with this restriction. This applies to both casino gaming and the use of slot machines located in bars and restaurants.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
There are no large-scale or mega-casinos; only smaller boutique casinos operate, primarily on Providenciales.
Some forms of gambling, such as unlicensed gaming operations and unauthorized gaming machines, are prohibited.
Online gambling is not widely available or officially regulated, and unauthorized online gaming operations are not permitted.
Grand Turk currently does not have any operating casinos.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Gambling advertising and marketing must comply with responsible gaming standards, ensuring that promotions do not target minors or vulnerable individuals.
Advertising must not be misleading or encourage irresponsible gambling behavior.
Marketing materials are expected to include information about responsible gambling and available support resources.
Promotional activities that could be construed as encouraging excessive or addictive gambling are restricted.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Gaming operators are required to implement responsible gambling policies and practices, including staff training on identifying and assisting problem gamblers.
Information on responsible gambling and support for gambling addiction must be made available to players in all licensed venues.
Operators must conduct client due diligence, including monitoring for suspicious transactions and collaborating with law enforcement to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.
Self-exclusion programs or similar player protection measures are expected to be offered, allowing individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues.
Operators are required to report and address any signs of gambling addiction among patrons.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Licensed casinos and gambling venues are primarily located on Providenciales, with no operating casinos currently on Grand Turk.
Slot machines are permitted in certain bars and restaurants, but only in licensed establishments and subject to regulatory oversight.
Unlicensed gambling venues or gaming machines outside of approved locations are prohibited.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1989
Initial legislation permitting casino gambling is introduced, allowing the first regulated casinos to open in Turks and Caicos Islands, primarily targeting tourists.
1999
Gaming Control Ordinance is enacted, establishing the legal framework for regulating gaming activities and creating the foundation for a regulatory authority.
2015
Turks & Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission is formally established as the statutory body responsible for oversight and regulation of all gaming activities.
2018
Comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidance is implemented for the gaming sector, aligning with the Gaming Control Ordinance and other financial crime prevention laws.
2024-01-23
Two significant gaming bills—the Gaming Control Amendment and the Gaming Machine Amendment—are passed by the House of Assembly, updating tax calculations, setting a 30% tax limit on gaming machines, and strengthening regulatory controls.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gambling devices, including gaming machines and electronic systems, must comply with the technical standards set by the Gaming Control Commission and the Casino Ordinance.
Only authorized and certified gambling devices may be imported, possessed, or operated. Any unlicensed or uncertified devices are strictly prohibited and subject to seizure and penalties.
Gaming software and hardware must be demonstrably fair, secure, and tamper-proof, with mechanisms in place to prevent manipulation or unauthorized access.
Operators are required to ensure that all gaming equipment undergoes regular testing and certification by approved third-party laboratories to maintain compliance with local technical standards.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements
Operators must implement robust data protection measures to safeguard player information, including encryption of personal and financial data both in transit and at rest.
Access to sensitive data must be restricted to authorized personnel, with audit logs maintained for all access and modifications.
Operators are required to comply with local privacy laws and ensure that all data storage and processing is conducted in accordance with the standards set by the Gaming Control Commission.
There are no explicit published requirements mandating server location within the Turks and Caicos Islands; however, all data must remain accessible to local regulators upon request for compliance and auditing purposes.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must establish and maintain comprehensive AML programs, including policies for detecting and reporting suspicious transactions.
Strict KYC procedures are required, including verification of player identity, age, and source of funds before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Operators are obligated to monitor transactions for patterns indicative of money laundering or terrorist financing and report such activity to the relevant authorities.
Records of all KYC and AML checks must be securely stored and made available for inspection by regulators.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records in accordance with the standards set by the Gaming Control Commission.
Regular financial reporting to the regulator is mandatory, including detailed accounts of all gaming revenues, payouts, and operational expenses.
Annual independent audits of financial statements and gaming systems are required to verify compliance and integrity.
Operators must retain all records, including player transactions, financial reports, and audit trails, for a minimum period as specified by law, and make them available for regulatory review upon request.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must integrate responsible gambling tools into their gaming systems, such as self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit and loss limits, and reality checks.
These tools must be technically robust, easy to access, and effective in preventing excessive or harmful gambling behavior.
Systems must be capable of generating reports on the use and effectiveness of responsible gambling features for regulatory oversight.
Information about responsible gambling resources and support services must be prominently displayed and easily accessible within all gaming platforms and venues.
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.
