The Tribune

By PAUL THOMPSON

Former Assistant Commissioner of Police

DURING a recent visit to Trinidad & Tobago I considered and did some research on gambling in that island nation. The information disclosed may be of public interest.

The lotteries and betting industry in Trinidad & Tobago is a massive enterprise.

The government derives huge financial benefits and the industry employs thousands of people, including accountants, computer technicians and security investigation personnel.

Prior to 1968, it was an underground criminal activity operated by a few affluent individuals, many of whom had a criminal history, but had means to organise their operations and find the persons needed for the administration of their gambling enterprises.

The particular type of gaming, known in The Bahamas as “numbers” was called “weh weh” by the Trinibagonian population.

That form of gaming flourished in the ghetto areas and in the government barrack housing areas of the City of Port of Spain

The “weh weh” vendors frequented these areas, where they targeted the poor, the lower working classes and the lower middle classes.

It was very well known that many persons in the exclusive areas of the City of Port of Spain also participated.

That form of gambling was also prevalent in the second city, San Fernando, and the boroughs of Arima, Point Fortin (in the Oil Belt) and the farming town of Chaguanas.

The vendors frequented their locations daily and very often could be heard interpreting dreams to their customers. Marks or signs in the dreams would be associated to a particular number, which would be bought.

The vendors even provided printed handouts with marks/signs, such as scorpion, snake, deadman, policeman and jammitt woman, et cetera, each of which was associated with a particular number.

The drawing of the numbers was done daily at secret locations to avoid the police.

The winning numbers circulated by way and of the underground network and vendors paid the winners.

One would always know when a neighbour wins, because of the loud shout: “Thank you Jesus.”

As expected, there were always allegations and suspicions of dishonesty and fraudulent conduct by some unscrupulous operators. Such operators would lose customers.

During my early teens I resided in the barracks in southeast Port of Spain, where crime, gangs and prostitution were prevalent. “Weh weh” was regarded by the residents as a way out of there.

My aunt played regularly. She was a religious woman. She was convinced that God would help her to get out of that area. She finally won enough to move to another area in the city.

She educated her children and lived a reasonably good life operating a food delivery service, but continued to play “weh weh”.

Police intervention with raids and arrests had no affect on the operation of “weh weh”. It made the police unpopular in ghetto areas where it continued to flourish. People wanted to gamble so they gambled In addition to the “weh weh”, Trinidad had other forms of gambling and betting; the gambling clubs, with the dice and card games (some of which were licensed) most of which were underground operations in houses or secret rooms in the bars.

There was horse racing on race tracks owned by the government, but operated by the Trinidad Turf Club, a private company of elite and affluent natives.

Horse racing was a popular form of entertainment on both islands where it existed.

In the late 60s the government led by Dr Eric Williams took control of lotteries, gaming and betting in Trinidad & Tobago.

There was debate in the parliament, but no referendum.

The National Lotteries & Gaming Act was passed and became law in 1968. The National Lotteries Control Board was established. The board consists of a chairman and not more than four members, which includes a secretary.

The board appointed by the Minister of Finance controls all gaming, gambling and betting activities in the twin-island nation.

It was a complete takeover of the industry by the government. The board re-organised “weh weh”, which is now known as “Play weh”.

The board included additional forms of gambling, such as “scratch”.

The board is responsible for the printing of lottery tickets and

sweepstakes tickets, the pricing of tickets, the value of winnings and the daily operations of all ticket outlets.

The board is also responsible for the draws, which occur twice daily.

The board investigates and approves private persons and entities, who apply to become vendors.

There are numerous locations all over the nation, that are operated by the board and by the private persons and entities.

Sales at all locations are monitored by the board at its office in the city. I am told, that every single sale is recorded as it occurs.

The board is aware of the daily revenue and the amounts paid to winners.

There is a very efficient security company employed to install, maintain and programme the board’s computer systems to maintain effectiveness, efficiency and transparency.

One will find many young persons with skills in accountancy, computer technology and customer service engaged in the industry.

There are other forms of gaming and betting in which the board does not actually engage, but has the responsibility to monitor and most importantly collect licence fees, taxes and any other funds due to the government.

Horse racing has been mentioned. There is pari-mutuel and other forms of betting available in numerous betting shops.

There are small casinos open to visitors and residents. There are the bingo parlours that operate nightly. The board collects revenue from all of these establishments.

The Minister of Finance provides policy directions to the board. The National Lotteries Account and the account of the board are public accounts.

Revenue derived from the lotteries, gaming and betting are paid into the Consolidated Fund, with the surplus being paid into the Sports and Culture Fund established by an Act of the same name.

I am told that various social welfare and cultural organisations, including churches benefit from the Sports and Culture Account.

I interviewed a former member of the board, who once resided in the Bahamas. He assured me that persons selected to serve on the board are of unquestionable character and integrity.

In The Bahamas, consideration could be given to having a public corporation formed for the operation, administration and control of gambling, gaming and betting.

The corporation could offer major shares to those Bahamians presently involved in the Web Shop business and limited shares to the general public.

Those Bahamians presently involved will provide the financial resources along with public shares. The corporation through technology must be aware of all sales and payments.

The major shareholders must be active members of the corporation. They have the expertise.

The government appointees will be there to ensure honesty and transparency and to ensure that government’s revenue from the operation is intact.

About three years ago former Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Keith Mason and I were on Steve McKinney’s Talk Show and we agreed that the police raids on web shops was an “exercise in futility.”

I still feel that way and patiently await the decision of the Supreme Court.