The casino floor is meant to be a place of entertainment, excitement, and social connection. At PlayTT Guide, we want every player to enjoy that experience in a way that is safe, informed, and within their means. This page exists because we believe responsible gaming is not just a legal requirement — it is the right thing to do for our community.
Responsible Play Hub
Gaming is one of T&T’s most popular forms of entertainment, and for the vast majority of players it stays exactly that — fun. But like any activity that involves money and excitement, it can become a problem if it goes unchecked.
The goal of this hub is simple: give every player the tools and information they need to stay in control, recognize when something is wrong, and know where to turn if they or someone they love needs help. You do not have to be in crisis to use this page. Whether you are looking to set healthier habits or support someone close to you, everything you need is right here.
A few core principles to keep front of mind:
Casino gaming is entertainment, not a way to make money
Every game is designed with a house edge — the casino always has a long-term mathematical advantage
Losses are part of the game; they should never be chased
You are always in control of how much time and money you spend
Know Your Limits
Setting limits before you walk through the door is the single most effective habit a player can build. Here is how to approach it:
Set a money limit Decide exactly how much you are willing to spend before you arrive and treat that amount as the full cost of your night out — not as an investment you expect to get back. When it is gone, the session is over.
Set a time limit It is easy to lose track of time on the casino floor. Set an alarm on your phone before you start playing and commit to leaving when it goes off, regardless of whether you are up or down.
Never chase losses Chasing losses — increasing your bets to try to win back what you have lost — is one of the most common and dangerous patterns in problem gambling. If you are having a losing session, accept it and walk away. Tomorrow is another day.
Never gamble under the influence Alcohol and other substances impair your judgement and your ability to make rational decisions about money. Avoid gambling when you are not thinking clearly.
Keep it separate Never gamble with money set aside for rent, bills, groceries, or family needs. Your gaming budget should only ever come from discretionary income — money you can genuinely afford to lose.
Take regular breaks Step away from the floor periodically. A walk, a meal, or a conversation with a friend resets your mindset and helps you make better decisions when you return.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling does not always look the way people expect. It rarely announces itself all at once. More often it builds gradually, and by the time it is obvious, it has already caused serious harm.
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone close to you, it is time to seek support.
Signs in your thinking and emotions:
Constantly thinking about gambling — replaying past sessions or planning the next one
Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, or difficult emotions
Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you try to cut back or stop
Believing that you are “due” a win after a losing streak
Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling but continuing anyway
Signs in your behavior:
Spending more time or money gambling than you intended
Lying to family, friends, or a partner about how often you gamble or how much you spend
Borrowing money, selling belongings, or using savings to fund gambling
Missing work, family events, or social commitments because of gambling
Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop
Signs in your finances:
Unable to account for where your money has gone
Falling behind on bills, rent, or household expenses
Withdrawing cash advances on credit cards to gamble
Hiding bank statements or financial documents from loved ones
If you recognize three or more of these signs, please reach out for help. Problem gambling is a recognized condition — it is not a character flaw and it is treatable.
Local Support and Resources
Help is available right here in Trinidad and Tobago. All of the organizations below offer confidential support.
Gamblers Anonymous Trinidad and Tobago (GATT) The primary dedicated support group for problem gambling in T&T. GATT runs peer support meetings where members share their experiences and support one another through recovery. Website: gattgroup.org Phone: +1 (868) 290-3936
Trinidad & Tobago National Council on Alcoholism and Other Addictions (TTNCAA) Provides counselling and support for all forms of addiction including gambling. Confidential assistance available by phone and email. Email: ttncaa@gmail.com Phone: 627-8213 / 757-8213
Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (GCC) The national regulatory body for gambling in T&T. The GCC oversees responsible gambling compliance across licensed venues and administers the national Self-Exclusion Program. Phone: +1 (868) 612-9700 Email: info@ttgcc.org Website: gcctt.org
Ministry of Social Development and Family Services Can provide referrals to counselling, social support services, and family assistance programs for those affected by problem gambling.
Self-Exclusion
If you feel your gambling is out of control, self-exclusion is one of the most powerful tools available to you. Trinidad and Tobago’s Gambling Control Commission operates a formal Self-Exclusion List, which allows any player to voluntarily ban themselves from all licensed gambling facilities in T&T.
Once enrolled, licensed casinos are legally required to refuse you entry. Placing yourself on the list is a courageous and decisive step — and it can make a real difference.
To apply for self-exclusion, contact the Gambling Control Commission directly: Phone: +1 (868) 612-9700 | Email: info@ttgcc.org
You can also speak to the management team at any licensed casino and request information about self-exclusion.
What To Do After a Bad Experience
A difficult night at the casino — whether that means a big financial loss, a dispute with staff, or simply a session that got away from you — can feel overwhelming. Here is how to handle it constructively.
After a big financial loss:
Do not return to the casino the same night in an attempt to win it back
Give yourself time to process the emotion before making any decisions about gambling again
Talk to someone you trust about what happened
Review your budget and assess what adjustments need to be made
If the loss is causing serious financial hardship, contact a financial counsellor or social support service
After a dispute with a casino:
Document the details — date, time, what occurred, and any staff involved
Request to speak with the casino’s floor manager or duty manager before leaving
If the issue is not resolved, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, who has powers to investigate complaints against licensed operators
Contact: +1 (868) 612-9700 or info@ttgcc.org
If the experience has left you feeling distressed:
It is completely normal to feel upset, embarrassed, or anxious after a bad session
Do not isolate yourself — talk to someone you trust or reach out to one of the support lines listed above
If you are feeling overwhelmed, the TTNCAA (627-8213) can connect you with a counsellor
For Friends and Family
Problem gambling does not only affect the person at the table. It affects everyone around them. If you are concerned about someone close to you, here is how you can help:
Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation
Focus on specific behaviours you have observed rather than making general judgements
Encourage them to seek support and offer to help them find it
Set clear boundaries around lending money
Seek support for yourself — organisations like GATT and TTNCAA can also support the families and loved ones of problem gamblers
Underage Gambling
The legal gambling age in Trinidad and Tobago is 18 years old. Licensed casinos are required by law to verify age and refuse entry to anyone under 18. PlayTT Guide does not provide guidance, reviews, or recommendations to anyone below the legal age.
If you are aware of a minor gaining access to a licensed gambling venue, report it to the Gambling Control Commission.
If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm as a result of gambling-related stress, please call the TTNCAA at 627-8213 or visit your nearest health facility immediately. You are not alone and help is available.