Race Day 11 Thursday 24th September 2026 Post Time : 12:30pm.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible Gambling

Last reviewed: November 2026

Our commitment

At the Arima Race Club, horse racing is at the heart of everything we do. From live race days at Santa Rosa Park to simulcast racing from around the world, we want every customer to enjoy the excitement of the sport safely.

Our wagering is pari-mutuel: all bets on a race go into a shared pool and winnings are paid out from that pool. Whatever the format, betting should always be a form of entertainment. For most people it is. For some, though, gambling can stop being fun and start harming their finances, health, work and relationships. We take that seriously, and we want everyone who bets with us to stay in control.

Our position is simple:

  • Betting is entertainment, not a way to make money. Only bet what you can comfortably afford to lose.
  • Betting is for adults only. You must be 18 or older to bet.
  • Never chase your losses. Trying to win back money you have lost usually leads to bigger losses.
  • Set limits and stick to them. Decide in advance how much money and time you will spend, and stop when you reach your limit – whether you are winning or losing.

Signs of problem gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, of any age or background. It often develops gradually and can be hard to spot. Some common warning signs are:

  • Spending more money or time on betting than you intended
  • Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement
  • Chasing losses – betting again to try to win back money you have lost
  • Borrowing money, selling belongings or not paying bills in order to bet
  • Hiding or lying about how much you bet or how much you have lost
  • Feeling restless, irritable, anxious or low when trying to cut down or stop
  • Betting to escape problems, stress, boredom or difficult feelings
  • Thinking about betting all the time, or planning the next bet
  • Neglecting work, studies, family or other responsibilities
  • Arguments with loved ones about money or gambling
  • Trying to cut down or stop, but not being able to

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it may be time to reach out. You are not alone, and help is available – see Where to get help below.

Tips to stay in control

  • Set a budget before you start and never go over it.
  • Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
  • Only bet with money set aside for entertainment – never with money meant for rent, bills, food or family needs.
  • Never borrow money to bet.
  • Accept that losing is part of betting. Don't chase losses.
  • Avoid betting when you are upset, stressed, lonely or low.
  • Avoid betting after drinking alcohol or using drugs – they affect your judgement.
  • Keep track of what you spend so you always know where you stand.
  • Remember that over time most people lose more than they win. In pool betting, a share of every pool is deducted before winnings are paid.
  • Balance betting with other activities and interests.
  • Talk to someone you trust if betting stops being fun.

Underage gambling (18+ only)

Betting is for adults only. You must be 18 or older to place a bet with the Arima Race Club, whether at Santa Rosa Park, at our outlets or through our phone-in and online betting services. We do not support or encourage betting by anyone under 18.

Parents and guardians can help by keeping betting accounts, PINs and payment cards out of reach of children, and by talking with young people about the risks of gambling.

Self-exclusion

If you feel you need a break from betting, you can ask us to exclude you. Contact the club at (868) 646-2387 or info@arimaraceclub.com (see Contact us below) to request self-exclusion from betting at our facilities and outlets. We will treat your request with respect.

Self-exclusion works best alongside other support. We encourage anyone who self-excludes to also contact one of the services listed below.

If you are worried about your own gambling

  1. Admit there is a problem. Recognising it is the first and often hardest step, and it takes courage.
  2. Take a break from betting now. Ask about self-exclusion and remove betting apps from your phone.
  3. Talk to someone you trust – a family member, friend, pastor, doctor or colleague.
  4. Get professional support. Contact one of the services under Where to get help. Support is confidential.
  5. Take control of your money. Ask someone you trust to help manage your finances for a while, and limit your access to cash and cards.
  6. Deal with debts openly. List what you owe and get advice, rather than betting to pay it back.
  7. Fill your time with activities you enjoy and people who support you.
  8. Be patient with yourself. Setbacks can happen. If you slip, reach out again – recovery is possible.

If you are worried about a family member or friend

  1. Choose a calm moment to talk. Speak privately, and show concern rather than blame or anger.
  2. Listen without judging. Let them know you care and want to help.
  3. Encourage them to seek help, and offer to help them contact a support service.
  4. Don't lend or give money for betting or to pay gambling debts.
  5. Protect your own finances. Consider separate accounts and keep important documents and valuables secure.
  6. Set clear boundaries and stick to them.
  7. Look after yourself. Support is available for families and friends too, even if the person who gambles isn't ready to seek help.
  8. Get urgent help if you think the person is at risk of harming themselves (see emergency numbers below).

Where to get help

In an emergency

If you or someone else is in immediate danger in Trinidad and Tobago, call:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline – Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. If gambling is causing you serious distress, or you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 800-COPE (2673) – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ttconnect.gov.tt/suicide-prevention-hotline/

Support in Trinidad and Tobago

TT National Council on Alcoholism and Other Addictions – counselling and assessment for gambling addiction, online or in person.

Restoration G.A. (Gamblers Anonymous) – a local Gamblers Anonymous meeting, Fridays at 7:00 pm at Emmanuel Community, 46 Rosalino Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain. Please call the venue to confirm the current schedule.

Emmanuel Community (Restoration Ministry) – counselling and support for compulsive gamblers.

Lifeline Trinidad and Tobago – a listening and support line: 800-5588

National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme (NADAPP) – Ministry of Health – addiction support, resources and referrals. NADAPP's main focus is alcohol and drug use; for gambling-specific counselling, the services above may be a better first call.

International and online support

Gambling Therapy (run by Gordon Moody) – free, global online support, including live text chat with trained advisers in many languages. You can stay anonymous, and it's a good option from the Caribbean. gamblingtherapy.org

Gamblers Anonymous – a free fellowship of people helping each other recover from a gambling problem, with in-person, online and phone meetings. International Service Office: +1 (909) 931-9056 · isomain@gamblersanonymous.org · gamblersanonymous.org

Gam-Anon – support for spouses, family members and friends of people with a gambling problem. Hotline: +1 844-475-4213 · International Service Office: +1 (718) 352-1671 · www.gam-anon.org

GamCare (United Kingdom) – National Gambling Helpline, 24/7, with live chat and WhatsApp on its website. +44 808 8020 133 (free from within the UK) · www.gamcare.org.uk

National Problem Gambling Helpline (United States) – free, confidential call, text and chat, 24/7. 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) · www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/

Calls to international numbers may be charged when dialled from Trinidad and Tobago. Online chat services may be a cheaper option.

Contact us

If you have questions about this page, want to request self-exclusion, or need help finding support, please get in touch. We're here to help.

Arima Race Club

Enjoy the racing, bet responsibly – and if it stops being fun, stop.