Gambling and online casinos in Kiribati

Kiribati is a small Pacific nation of more than 30 coral atolls.

Despite its size and remoteness, the country is gradually getting involved in global digital processes, including online entertainment.

Gambling in Kiribati does not have separate legislation: casinos and bookmakers are not licensed, but there is also no direct ban on participation in foreign online games.

As a result, gambling exists in the "gray zone" - outside official regulation, but with growing population interest.

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Historical context

Gambling has never been part of Kiribati's traditional culture.

The country's economy relies on fishing, agriculture and international aid, and mores inherited from Christian missionaries have long limited any form of betting or prank.

Since independence from Britain in 1979, the issue of legalising gambling has never been raised at parliamentary level.

Nevertheless, with the development of the Internet and mobile devices, residents of the country began to master foreign online platforms, especially during the pandemic, when digital services became the only way of leisure.

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Legislation and regulation

Kiribati lacks a specialized law governing gambling.

There is no licensing authority or tax system for gambling.

Basic legal framework:

• Criminal Code (Cap. 67) - contains general provisions on illegal activities, but does not mention gambling directly;
• Communications Act 2014 - regulates access to the Internet and digital services, including international sites;
• Financial Services Act 2018 - used to control offshore companies, but does not cover gambling.

Key facts:

• no licenses for casinos or bookmakers;
• the state does not prohibit the participation of citizens in online games;
• gambling advertising is unregulated;
• no taxation.

Thus, Kiribati is one of the countries where gambling is actually allowed by default, since there is no law that would restrict it.

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Online gambling

The lack of national restrictions has made online gambling the most common form of gambling in Kiribati.

Islanders actively use international sites, especially crypto casinos and offshore platforms, which accept players without verification and blocking.

Popular destinations:

• online slots and roulette;
• football and cricket betting;
• live casinos and game shows;
• crypto-gambling.

Popular international brands:

• Stake, BC. Game, 1xBet, 22Bet, Fairspin, Betwinner.

Ways to pay:

• international Visa/MasterCard cards (via partner gateways);
• Perfect Money, Skrill, AstroPay e-wallets;
• cryptocurrencies - Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, USDT.

According to Pacific iGaming Review 2024, up to 25% of Kiribati's Internet users have bid online at least once, and the total shadow market turnover is estimated at $5-7 million per year.

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Economic context

Kiribati lacks an official gambling industry.

Neither casinos nor lotteries generate revenue for the budget, and the government has so far shown no interest in regulating the market.

Nevertheless, experts note the country's potential in the development of offshore licensing, by analogy with Vanuatu and Cook.

Due to its loyal tax system and strategic position in the Pacific, Kiribati could become a new center for issuing eGaming licenses for operators from Asia and Australia.

Potential for legalization:

• annual budget income - $3-5 million;
• creation of up to 300 jobs;
• inflow of foreign IT companies and investments.

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Social and cultural context

Kiribati is a country with strong family and religious traditions, so gambling is often perceived as an undesirable phenomenon.

Local priests and public organizations oppose the legalization of casinos, considering it a threat to the moral foundations and financial stability of families.

However, the younger generation of South Tarawa and other atolls perceive online gambling as a form of entertainment and earning.

Even local Telegram groups and online chats appear, where users share tips and links to offshore casinos.

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Prospects

The Kiribati government has not yet shown a desire to introduce gambling regulation, but international organizations, including the Pacific Financial Forum, recommend creating a basic legal framework for licensing.

Possible development scenarios up to 2030:

• the creation of the Kiritimati Gaming Authority to oversee online operators;
• issuance of offshore eGaming licenses following the example of Vanuatu;
• use of cryptocurrency solutions for transparent transactions;
• limited casino admission for tourist areas (e.g. Keeley Atoll).

Forecast: With legalization and minimal taxation, Kiribati's gambling market could reach $20 million per year, mainly due to the online sector and attracting foreign investors.

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Kiribati is a country without official regulation of gambling, where the market operates de facto, but not de jure.

Residents are actively using international online casinos, and crypto gambling is becoming more and more popular.