Trinidad has banned casino slot machines and is moving to outlaw online
gambling – practices the socially conservative prime minister accuses of
encouraging vice and straining families. Prime Minister Patrick Manning
announced the changes in his budget proposal speech to Parliament on
Wednesday, less than a week after the U.S. Congress passed legislation
cracking down on Internet gambling. “Gaming activities are of great concern
to the government,” he said. Manning, who said Trinidad also would
discontinue its national lottery, commands majority support in Parliament,
assuring passage of the online gambling prohibition. The Caribbean nation’s
premier outlawed slot machines by executive order. No timetable was given to
eliminate online gaming and the national lottery in the twin-island country.
Oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago relies less on gambling and tourism than other
islands. But casinos have started to proliferate, with dozens opening here
over the past five years. The United States has been trying to control the
multibillion-dollar (-euro) online gambling industry, which has outposts in
several Caribbean countries. The legislation passed Saturday prohibits the
use of credit cards, checks and electronic fund transfers to settle online
wagers. Manning also announced a 15 percent tax increase on all tobacco
products. Alcohol produced inside the 15-nation bloc Caribbean Community
also will see a 15 percent tax increase, with taxes rising 30 percent on
liquor and beer from outside the region, he said.