Gambling is legal in the Turks and Caicos Islands for all visitors.
However, this is a relativly small industry with only one local casino
operating (as of 2011). Prior to 2007, residants were barred from
gambling, but the law was changed to allow those earning more than $50,000
to gamble.
History of Gambling in the Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos has the dubious honour of being the birthplace of
internet casinos. In 1995, Internet Casinos Inc. launched the
world's first online casino, with 16 different games and even access to
the Indian National Lottery. However, other countries soon passed
laws legalizing online gaming and as of today no online casinos are
based in the Turks and Caicos.
Providenciales is the only island with a full casino, but other other islands
offer slot machines at some local bars. The first casino,
Casablanca, opened in the early 90's and is the only casino still
operating in the
country. The Players Club was a short lived casino and poker club that
was shut down in 2009 due to failure to pay government licences and
fees.
Several bars catering to the local market on Providenciales feature slot
machines, but this are generally out of the tourist areas and not
top-notch establishments.
Poker is a popular local form of gambling, and there is the annual Turks
and Caicos Islands International Poker Tournmanet held at local resorts.
The Lottery
In 2005 a private company was authorized to operate a lottery, with a
portion of proceeds benefiting local cultural, sporting, and educational
programmes. Many agents selling scratchcards are located across
Providenciales, including in the Grace Bay area.