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 has no 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 is based on fishing, agriculture and international aid,

• and the moral standards inherited from Christian missionaries,

have long limited any form of betting or drawing.

After independence from Great Britain in 1979

the issue of legalising gambling has never been raised at parliamentary level.

However, with the development of the Internet and mobile devices

• residents of the country began to master foreign online platforms,

especially during a pandemic, when digital services have become 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 limit it.

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Online gambling

Lack of national restrictions made online gambling

the most common form of gambling in Kiribati.

Residents of the islands actively use international sites,

• especially crypto casinos and offshore platforms,

which accept players without verification or 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 bring revenue to 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, similar to Vanuatu and Cook.

Thanks to its loyal tax system and strategic position in the Pacific,

• Kiribati could be the 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,

therefore, gambling is often perceived as an undesirable phenomenon.

Local priests and community organizations

• oppose the legalization of casinos,

considering this a threat to the moral foundations and financial stability of families.

However, the younger generation of South Tarawa and other atolls

perceives 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

Kiribati government shows no desire yet

• introduce regulation of gambling,
• but international organizations, including the Pacific Financial Forum,

recommend establishing 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 a 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 functions de facto but not de jure.

Residents actively use international online casinos,

and crypto gambling is becoming more and more popular.