Barbados is a coral limestone island located in the Caribbean below the churn of Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and to the northwest of Grenada. It became a sovereign state on the 30 th of November 1966 and joined the Commonwealth and finally becomes a republic on the 30 th of November 2021. This article focuses on uncovering the background information and current situation of gambling laws in Barbados: regulatory agencies, sports betting types, and legal betting sites in Barbados.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws in Barbados
Gambling is still quite a topical issue in Barbados, and the country has a rather extensive history of legislation in this sphere. Laws that were put in place to govern gambling started in the year 1972 through the Betting and Gaming Duties Act. This act formed the basis of the control and taxing of gambling related activities in the island. It has been ten years since the enactment of this act, and in the course of the past years, some amendments have been made to this act in a bid to suit the development of the gambling industry. The most recent major change was made in the year 2019 where a new tax regime was issued.
Major Events in the Regulation of Gambling
- 1972: Policies based on the Betting and Gaming Duties Act are put into place.
- 2005: GTECH Corporation obtains the licensing agreement as a sole supplier of the Barbados Lottery Association.
- 2019: Introduction of a 17. 5% on the net drop of all gaming machines and 20% withholding tax on winnings from lotteries and betting.
Regulatory of Betting Sites in Barbados
The functions of regulating gambling activities in Barbados are assigned to the Betting and Gaming Committee. This committee is charged with the responsibility of regulating the issuing of licenses, ensuring compliance with the set rules and regulations as well as ensuring that there is fairness in the gambling activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Issuing Licenses: The committee is responsible for granting licenses to the gambling operators and make sure that everything is in order legally.
- Monitoring Compliance: Periodical assessment of the operators is done to check their compliance with the set down standards and recommendations.
Enforcing Regulations: The committee has the power to fine and even suspend or revoke licenses for non-observance of the rules.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
The kinds of bets that are allowed in Barbados and the ones that are not are also very well defined.
Permitted Bets
- Slot Machines: Served in establishments which have a license to sell Liquor.
- Lottery: The monopoly was by GTECH Corporation.
- Horse Racing: Only permissible at the legal race courses and at the bookmakers.
Prohibited Bets
- Card Tables and Roulette Wheels: The following are not accepted in Barbados as forms of gambling.
- Online Horse Racing Betting: This is not allowed under the present legal frame work.
- Commercial Gambling for Fundraising: Non-profit lotteries, bingo and raffles for charity are the only permitted ones.
Gambling Licenses and Fees in Barbados
To conduct gambling business in Barbados one has to get a license from the Betting and Gaming Committee. This information is provided in the Betting and Gaming Duties Act regarding the necessities as well as the costs.
Types of Licenses
- Slot Machine Licenses: For places that have machines with slot in them games.
- Lottery Licenses: Not to be released to any other parties other than GTECH Corporation.
- Horse Racing Licenses: Safely used in race tracks and for bookmakers.
Fees and Taxes
- License Fees: Differ according to the type of license, and the size of the firm in terms of the number of vehicles and other assets.
- Gambling Tax: A 17. Five percent tax on the net turnover of all gaming machines.
- Withholding Tax: There was a suggestion of a 20% tax on lottery and betting winnings.
Proliferation of Betting Sites in Barbados
The number of betting sites is rising and more and more Barbadian punters are using those platforms. Below are some of the most recommended ones;
22Bet:
22Bet
Provides more than 30 kinds of sports.
Services such as live stream and in-play betting
Different offers and bonuses to attract the customersUp to £122
Betwinner:
Betwinner
A platform that relies on exchange to increase the chances of winning
Different sports products
User-friendly interfaceUp To £100
1Xbet:
1xBet
Easy-to-use interface
Daily enhanced odds specials
Numerous types of sports.Up To £100
Significant Occasions in Barbadian Sports
Sporting activity has always been a part of the Barbadian culture with many accomplishments to boast of. Some key milestones include;
- 1968: The Summer Olympics’ event saw Barbados competing under the Barbadian flag for the first time.
- 2000: Obadele Thompson was the first person to win a medal in the 100m at the Sydney Olympics and he won a bronze.
- 2007: Barbados was among the countries that received the international event, the Cricket World Cup.
- 2009: Barbadian, Ryan Brathwaite won the gold medal in the 110m hurdles at the World Championship.
- 2011: Barbados were the host country of the World Cup of Golf.
These events have in a way affirmed Barbados as a sporting nation.
Celebrating Barbadian Sports Stars
Barbados has being a home to many sportmen and women over the years. Some notable athletes include;
Sir Garfield Sobers:
- Considered by many as the best cricket player of all time, Sir Don Bradman played for Australia.
- First Cricketer to hit six sixes in an over.
Obadele Thompson:
- First Barbadian to win an Olympic medal as a competitor.
- An example is the gold medalist in the 200m category at the 1999 World Championships.
Ryan Brathwaite:
- Only Barbadian who has won a gold medal at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics.
These athletes are pride of Barbados and have made the country proud in the international world.
Gambling in the Neighboring Countries
It is also useful to look at the general gambling environment in neighboring countries to place the findings in context.
St. Lucia:
- Permitted or legal gambling with the coming into force of the Gaming Act in the year 1999.
- This online casino is licensed by the St. Lucia Gaming Authority.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
- The Putting People First White Paper of the government started the process of introducing the Gambling Act in 2002.
- Licensing authority is the National Gaming and Lotteries Commission.
Grenada:
- Legalized gambling in 2007.
- Licensed & regulated by Grenada Gaming Authority.
Conclusion
Thus, it is crucial to note that the subject of sports betting and betting sites in Barbados is rather diverse and layered. It lays down the history, the current legislation and possibilities for betting in Barbados, which presents an interesting picture. For the residents as well as the tourists who want to place their bet, it is crucial to know the legal aspects that govern betting and the available alternatives.
FAQ Betting Sites in Barbados
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