Gambling in the BVI is illegal. Part 1

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frazer informed those who might be unaware of this that gambling and selling and purchasing of lottery tickets is an offence in the British Virgin Islands.

Frazer admits that gambling and selling of lottery tickets is often taken as a norm in the BVI, and therefore he advised on this matter to warn people committing this offence, however, if persons continue the practice, they will inevitably be arrested. So, this was to inform the public on the laws that exist.

Section 301 of the Criminal Code states the following:

- Any person who knowingly permits, or is concerned in, the use of any building or place for the purpose of gambling, betting or the holding of a lottery or sweepstake, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or both.

- Police may be authorized by day or night to enter such house or place (suspected of committing the offence of gambling) and to search the same and any persons found therein, and to seize all instruments and appliances of gambling, betting, or required for the holding of a lottery or sweepstake, and all money, securities for money and other articles reasonably supposed to have been used or intended to be used for any such purpose.