The Trinidad and Tobago government intends to approve an amendment that would prohibit slot machines in the country. According to the Minister of Finance, Conrad Enill, the country’s authorities are against the operation of casinos and all the related businesses.

Some of the provisions included in the gambling bill, make it illegal to import slot machines. “These provisions define slot machines and tokens; removing any ambiguity as well as ensuring that slot machines are considered gambling machines,” Minister Enill said during a legislative session.

Enill further explained that those clubs that currently offer slot machines will be able to continue operating within the limits established by the law. He also reassured that, as stated by Prime Minister Patrick Manning, the dialogue with club owners will continue until the legislation comes into force.

The House of Representatives passed the bill on June 13th, and sent it to the Senate. Besides amending the Gambling and Betting Act, the new legislation increases the spending limits of the Chief Administrator of the Tobago House of Assembly.