Muslims warn against casinos
Officials in Trinidad and Tobago are considering legislation that would create a stronger regulatory structure for the nation’s gaming industry. According to the Trinidad Guardian, it’s widely believed the casino sector in the Caribbean island has been infiltrated by organized crime elements; Finance Minister Larry Howai has said some businesses have refrained from operating there since the industry became unregulated.
Proposed new regulations would establish a licensing framework, create rules of order, and be enforced by a Gambling Control Commission. The legislation requires a three-fifth majority vote in parliament for passage, and the Opposition PNM is already objecting to the bill, citing “excessive criminalization” of offenders in the industry and penalties that are too severe.
Howai defended the legislation as a way to control money laundering and anti-terrorism financing. Under the new structure, operators would have to hold licenses to own a gambling establishment, offer betting, sell or lease gaming machines, import or supply licensed gaming machines, or otherwise operate within the industry. In addition, license applicants would be required to undergo in-depth background checks.
The commission would issue licenses, impose penalties, verify employee backgrounds and inspect records, premises and devices, the Guardian reported. The penalties for some offenses are stiff: cheating can result in a $1 million fine and a year in jail.
Meanwhile, Senate President Senator Raziah Ahmed has come under fire from the Muslim community for presiding over the bill. Inshan Ishmael, chairman of the Muslim Social and Cultural Foundation, wrote an online letter to Ahmed saying, “To my dear Muslim sister Raziah, you should not have found yourself anywhere near that gambling bill…With all due respect, please, please have some decency when it comes to your beliefs.”
A commenter added, “May Allah have mercy on her.”
