Gambling and online casinos in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a Pacific state that has become one of the pioneers of legalizing gambling in the region.

Thanks to well-thought-out legislation, low taxes and international licenses, the country is gradually turning into a regional center for online gambling and financial services.

Unlike neighboring states, where gambling is illegal, Vanuatu has opted for a strategy of controlled legalization.

Today, licensed casinos, bookmakers, lotteries and online operators operate in the country, and foreign companies are entitled to offer services under the Vanuatu Gaming License brand.

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Historical context

Gambling appeared in Vanuatu in the 1980s, after independence from France and Great Britain.

The first casinos opened in the capital - Port Vila - in 1983, and already in 1993 the government passed a law that allowed licensing online gambling -

one of the first in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the 2000s, Vanuatu actively developed the offshore sector of eGaming, offering licenses for international companies, including online casinos, poker rooms and bookmakers.

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Legislation and regulation

Main regulations:

• Gaming and Lotteries Act (1989) - a basic law governing casinos, lotteries and slot machines;
• Interactive Gaming Act (1993) - legalizes online gambling and licensing of foreign operators;
• Gaming Control Bill (Amendment, 2018) - an updated version of the law on supervision, anti-money laundering and AML checks.

Regulators:

• Vanuatu Gaming and Casino Control Board (VGCCB) - a government agency responsible for licenses and control;
• Financial Services Commission (VFSC) - oversight of online operators, including cryptocurrency transactions and fintech services.

Main provisions:

• gambling is allowed if licensed;
• online gambling is completely legal;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• foreign companies can obtain licenses remotely;
• tax rate on profits from gambling - 3-5%.

Vanuatu adheres to the principle of a "regulated open market," where the state generates revenue through licensing and taxes, and operators a stable legal environment.

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Legal forms of gambling

In Vanuatu, the following are allowed:

• casinos and slot machines;
• sports betting and betting;
• national and private lotteries;
• poker, bingo and roulette;
• online gambling, including crypto casinos.

Examples of famous establishments:

• Palms Casino Port Vila is the largest casino in the country;
• Grand Casino Vanuatu - resort complex with VIP-zone for foreign guests;
• Vanuatu National Lottery is a weekly state lottery.

Unlike most neighboring countries, the gambling business here is actively supported by the state and is perceived as a source of tourism and foreign investment.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Vanuatu is fully legalized and regulated by the Interactive Gaming Act 1993.

The country was one of the first in the world to allow the issuance of online licenses to international companies operating under domains. vu or via global platforms.

Features of Vanuatu license:

• incorporation in Vanuatu;
• authorized capital - from $10,000;
• AML/KYC checks and player protection;
• annual license fee - from $20,000;
• the license is valid for 1 year with the possibility of renewal.

Popular destinations:

• online slots and live games;
• crypto gambling and tokenized platforms;
• international lotteries and betting.

Among the licensed operators there are brands operating in Europe, Asia and Latin America -

Vanuatu has become a convenient jurisdiction for global iGaming startups.

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Economic context

The gambling industry is one of the notable sources of revenue for Vanuatu's budget.

Key indicators (2024):

• more than 40 valid licenses for online gambling;
• tax revenues - about $15 million per year;
• contribution to GDP - 2.5-3%;
• about 1,000 jobs in casinos and service companies.

Vanuatu actively attracts foreign investors by offering preferential terms for eGaming companies, as well as for operators using blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

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Social and cultural context

Vanuatu is a society with moderate moral standards, where gambling is perceived primarily as part of tourism and business.

Locals can participate in the games, but the government monitors responsible gambling through the Play Fair Vanuatu and Responsible Gaming Pacific programs.

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Prospects

Vanuatu is actively developing the Digital Pacific Hub strategy aimed at strengthening the country's position as a technological and financial center.

Key areas until 2030:

• development of blockchain gambling under the supervision of VFSC;
• issuing NFT and crypto licenses for eGaming;
• participation in the Pacific eGaming Alliance regional initiative;
• integration of regulatory APIs and AI monitoring for transaction tracking.

Forecast: by 2030, Vanuatu's total gambling market turnover could reach $250-300 million per year, mainly due to international online companies and crypto gambling.

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Vanuatu is one of the most progressive gambling nations in the Pacific.

All forms of gambling are legalized here, and online casinos and international operators receive official licenses, which makes the country a regional center for eGaming and crypto gambling.