Political commentator Ravi Maharaj has welcomed Finance Minister Dave Tancoo’s recent pledge to crack down on underground gambling but warns that another gambling-related threat is being overlooked — unregulated gaming machines.
According to Maharaj, arcade-style games such as claw machines have become increasingly common in malls and shopping centres across Trinidad and Tobago, drawing in children with bright lights and prizes while subtly promoting gambling behaviour.
He added that some of these machines have evolved to include cash payouts, operating without proper oversight or regulation.
Maharaj argues that while the government’s focus on illegal lotteries is important, these unregulated machines pose a serious risk to young people by normalising gambling from an early age.
He is calling on authorities to regulate these devices in the same way as casino and bar gaming systems to protect minors and help prevent the rise of gambling addiction in the country.
