Trinidad’s online gaming sector faces potential disruption as the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) considers implementing Sunday draws for several popular lottery games, despite no official confirmation from the regulatory body.
According to Dean Persad, President of the Online Gaming Agents Association of TT (OGAATT), lottery equipment provider Brightstar Lottery (formerly IGT lottery division) has been circulating notices among agents regarding proposed Sunday drawings for Play Whe, Pick 2, Pick 4 and Cash Pot games, effective February 8, 2026. The document, which surfaced on social media January 14, claims the NLCB board resolved to amend draw schedules under the National Lotteries Act.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, whose ministry oversees NLCB, acknowledged awareness of the initiative as part of the board’s “business expansion model” but provided no further details. Newsday’s attempts to verify the document’s authenticity with NLCB and Brightstar representatives proved unsuccessful.
Persad expressed significant concerns about the potential implementation, citing multiple operational challenges. “The disrespect, callousness, exploitation and lack of consideration towards agents continues under this new regime,” he stated, emphasizing that the association should have been consulted on matters directly affecting their members.
Key concerns include uncertainty about whether Sunday operations would be mandatory or optional, potential labor cost implications requiring double and triple-time payments under Trinidad’s labor laws, increased security risks due to reduced street activity on Sundays, and anticipated low sales volumes as families typically remain home. Additionally, agents questioned how Sunday operations would affect weekly settlement procedures that currently run Monday through Saturday.
The association president revealed profound disappointment with the newly appointed NLCB board’s lack of engagement since their July 25 installation. Despite repeated attempts to schedule meetings—including one cancellation after date confirmation—and direct intervention from the Prime Minister who emailed ministers instructing them to meet with OGAATT, Persad said the board has consistently ignored communication attempts.
“We are the most important stakeholders in the whole organization,” Persad emphasized. “We are the point people bringing in the money for the organization. Why not engage us and hear what we have to say?” The association continues seeking respectful dialogue with NLCB leadership to address their operational concerns before any Sunday draw implementation.