Online bingo in Barbados currently operates in an unregulated environment, as online gambling has not yet been regulated by the government despite the existence of comprehensive land-based gambling laws (1). The Barbados Lottery Authority (BLA) serves as the main regulatory body responsible for controlling gambling activities including slot machines, lotteries, and horse racing, but no gaming sites are hosted in the country and no licenses are issued to foreign online gambling firms (1). The Betting and Gaming Duties Act, Cap. 60, enacted in July 1977, consolidates laws concerning the imposition of duties and fees on betting and gaming activities in Barbados (2).
In March 2023, Finance Minister Ryan Straughn announced that legislation is in the pipeline for Barbados with the intent of regulating the online gaming sector (1). The government is working out a framework for addressing the risks associated with online gambling and is collaborating with telecommunications and other entities with the aim of building regulatory capacity to manage activities in a manner that would reduce associated risks with the financial sector and the broader economy (1). The Betting and Gaming Duties Regulations, 1979, introduced under Section 39 of the Act, provide detailed guidelines on enforcement procedures, licensing, and penalties for non-compliance (2).
"In March 2023, Finance Minister Ryan Straughn announced that legislation is in the pipeline for Barbados with the intent of regulating the online gaming sector."
Currently, residents of Barbados can access international online casinos and bingo platforms with no threats of legal prosecution, as the government does not actively pursue enforcement against individual players (1). The Betting and Gaming Duties Act and its accompanying Regulations ensure effective regulation of the land-based gaming industry in Barbados, promoting fairness, transparency, and contributing to the country's revenue (2). Until new online gambling legislation is enacted, online bingo remains in a legal gray area where operations are neither explicitly licensed nor prohibited for Barbadian residents accessing offshore platforms (1).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-barbados/
https://bra.gov.bb/About/Legislation-Regulations/Betting-Gaming-Duties-Act
Last updated: 30-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
