Trinidad and Tobago's senate has approved legislation increasing the minimum legal gambling age to 25, alongside new restrictions on alcohol, tobacco and cannabis.
The Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026, passed early on 7 October following several hours of debate.
The legislation received 15 votes in favour, all from Government senators, while 12 senators voted against it and three abstained. No Opposition or Independent senator supported the measure.
Under the proposed changes, the minimum gambling age will increase from 21 to 25. Licensed gambling establishments will also be required to verify customers' ages through valid identification before allowing entry.
The restrictions form part of broader amendments covering several existing laws, including the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021.
The bill also increases the legal age for alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21, while restricting cannabis possession and use to those aged 25 and above.
During the Senate debate, several Independent senators questioned the justification for the higher age limits and the penalties proposed for violations.
Concerns included whether the Government had provided sufficient local evidence to support the restrictions and whether some financial penalties were proportionate.
Attorney General John Jeremie defended the legislation, arguing that the age limits were intended to reduce harm associated with gambling and substance use.
He also maintained that the proposed penalties were appropriate when considered alongside existing legislation governing related offences.
The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and will now proceed to President Christine Kangaloo for assent before becoming law.
The bill also raises the legal age for alcohol and tobacco to 21
