Gambling and online casinos in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the few countries in Oceania where gambling is officially permitted and regulated by law.

Land-based casinos, sports bookmakers and the national lottery operate here, and online gambling is actively gaining momentum thanks to the development of digital technologies and mobile Internet.

Regulation is carried out through the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), which sets the rules, licenses operators and monitors business responsibility.

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Historical context

Gambling appeared in Papua New Guinea in the middle of the 20th century, during the period when the country was under Australian rule.

After independence in 1975, gambling activities continued to develop under state control.

The turning point was the creation in 2007

National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) —

a body responsible for regulating all types of gambling, including lotteries, casinos and bookmakers.

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Legislation and regulation

The main legal document is:

• Gaming Control Act 2007, which defines the principles of licensing and taxation.

Regulator:

• National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) under the Department of the Interior and Justice.

Main provisions:

• gambling is legal if licensed;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• casino gross revenue tax (GGR) - 20%;
• online gambling is regulated by a separate NGCB unit;
• gambling advertising is limited.

The law provides for a system of strict control, including verification of RNG (random number generators) and financial statements of operators.

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Legal forms of gambling

The country allows:

• casinos and gaming clubs;
• sports betting and betting;
• lotteries and charity raffles;
• online gambling and mobile games (if licensed by NGCB).

Major operators:

• Royal Papua Casino (Port Moresby) is the country's flagship casino;
• The Lamana Hotel Gaming Lounge is a popular gaming complex;
• National Gaming Control Lotto - state lottery;
• Betway PNG, Hollywoodbets PNG are international online bookmakers operating legally in the country.

PNG's casinos and bookmakers target both domestic gamblers and tourists from Australia, Fiji and the Philippines.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Papua New Guinea has been officially allowed since 2016, when the NGCB amended the Gaming Control Act.

Operators can obtain an iGaming license, which gives the right to provide online services within the country and abroad.

Main directions:

• sports and esports betting;
• online slots and live games;
• virtual casinos and poker;
• mobile lotteries and bingo.

Popular platforms:

• Betway PNG, 22Bet, Stake. com, BC. Game, Betika PNG.

Payment systems:

• Bank South Pacific (BSP) Online, Westpac Pacific Pay, Visa/MasterCard, Mobile Money PNG, cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Tron, USDT) - are actively used by players.

According to Pacific iGaming Report 2024, there are more than 250,000 active online players in the country, and the total market exceeds $70 million per year.

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Economic role

Gambling contributes significantly to the PNG economy, especially tourism and services.

Key indicators (2024):

• contribution to GDP - about 0.9%;
• tax revenues - $8-10 million per year;
• more than 1,500 jobs in the gambling industry;
• about 60% of revenue comes from online gambling and lotteries.

A portion of the profits goes to the state-run Community Development Fund, which funds education and sports.

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Social and cultural context

Papua New Guinea is a country with a strong cultural tradition, where gambling is perceived as a form of entertainment, but is inherent in social responsibility.

The regulator requires operators to:

• compliance with the principles of responsible play;
• informing about the risks of addiction;
• prohibition of participation of minors.

Community organizations such as Lukautim Gamblers PNG are implementing prevention programs for gambling addiction.

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Prospects

Papua New Guinea is actively moving towards digitalization of the gambling sector.

NGCB plans to make the country a regional iGaming licensing center for the South Pacific.

Key initiatives to 2030:

• implementation of eGaming Licensing Portal for online registration of operators;
• development of tourist casino areas in Port Moresby and Lae;
• integration of cryptocurrencies and fintech solutions;
• participation in the Pacific Gaming Alliance (PGA).

Forecast: by 2030, the PNG gambling market will reach $150 million, of which more than 70% will be in the online segment.

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Papua New Guinea is one of the fastest growing gambling countries in Oceania.

Government regulation, technological innovation and infrastructure investment make it a promising destination for operators and players.