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FJ

Is Gambling Legal in Fiji?

Partially Regulated
Lotteries and gaming competitions are regulated under the Gaming Act 2009, but casino licensing is currently suspended pending new policy guidelines.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Fiji Ministry of Economy
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Regulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Prohibited
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • Gambling in Fiji is primarily regulated by the Gaming Act of 2009, which covers lotteries and sweepstakes operations.
    • Any lottery or competition offering prizes over $100 requires prior approval from the relevant authority.
    • Draws for lotteries and sweepstakes must be conducted transparently and either publicly or broadcast to the public.
    • The promoter of a lottery must pay a 15% Gambling Turnover Tax on gross proceeds within 7 days of the draw.
    • Casino gambling is currently not permitted, with no casino licenses issued pending new comprehensive policy guidelines.
    • The government revoked the only previously issued casino license in 2015 due to non-compliance with license conditions.
    • Competitions must clearly state if they are for charitable purposes or profit, ensuring consumer transparency and protection.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The primary legislation governing gambling in Fiji is the **Gaming Act of 2009**. This act provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation of various forms of gambling, including lotteries and sweepstakes. It outlines specific guidelines for the operation of these activities, ensuring transparency and consumer protection.

      Regulatory Authority

      The regulatory framework in Fiji involves oversight by several bodies, though specific details about their roles in gambling regulation are not extensively detailed in available sources. Generally, regulatory authorities in such jurisdictions are responsible for: - **Enforcing Compliance**: Ensuring that all gambling activities adhere to the law. - **Consumer Protection**: Safeguarding consumers from misleading practices and ensuring fair play. - **Transparency**: Overseeing that draws and competitions are conducted openly or broadcast publicly. In Fiji, while specific regulatory bodies for gambling are not explicitly mentioned in the available information, the Consumer Council of Fiji plays a role in monitoring consumer-related issues, including those related to gambling competitions. However, the primary legal framework is established through the Gaming Act of 2009.

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Fiji

      • Lottery and Sweepstakes Licenses: Operators wishing to conduct lotteries or sweepstakes, especially those offering prizes valued over FJD 100, must obtain prior approval from the relevant authority. These licenses cover both charitable and profit-driven competitions.
      • Casino Licenses: As of April 2025, no new casino licenses are being issued. The government has explicitly stated that no casino license will be granted until comprehensive policy guidelines are developed. Previously, only one exclusive casino license was issued, but it was revoked due to non-compliance by the operator.

      Application Process

      • Lottery and Sweepstakes:
        • Applicants must submit a detailed application specifying the nature and purpose of the competition, including whether it is for charity or profit.
        • Approval is required for any competition with prizes exceeding FJD 100.
        • Draws must be conducted transparently, either in public or broadcast to the public.
      • Casino Licenses:
        • Currently, there is a moratorium on casino license applications. No applications are being accepted or processed until new policy guidelines are established.

      Duration and Renewal Conditions

      • Lottery and Sweepstakes:
        • Licenses or approvals are typically valid for the duration of the specific event or competition.
        • Each new event or competition requires a separate application and approval.
      • Casino Licenses:
        • Previously, casino licenses were issued for a fixed term (e.g., 15 years), but the only such license was revoked. No renewal procedures are currently in effect due to the suspension of casino licensing.

      Eligibility Requirements

      • Lottery and Sweepstakes:
        • Applicants must clearly state the purpose of the competition (charitable or for-profit).
        • They must demonstrate the ability to conduct transparent and fair draws.
        • Applicants must comply with all requirements set by the Gaming Act and any additional guidelines from the relevant authority.
      • Casino Licenses:
        • No applications are currently accepted. In the past, eligibility included financial capacity, project feasibility, and compliance with government conditions.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Lottery and Sweepstakes:
        • There are fees associated with the application for approval, but specific amounts are determined by the relevant authority and may vary depending on the scale and nature of the competition.
        • Applicants may be required to provide financial guarantees or bonds to ensure the prizes can be awarded as advertised.
      • Casino Licenses:
        • No new fees or costs are currently published, as the licensing process is suspended. Previously, casino licensing involved substantial application fees and financial commitments.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses

      • Lottery and Sweepstakes:
        • Full compliance with the Gaming Act, including transparency in prize draws and accurate disclosure of competition details.
        • Approval must be obtained before conducting any competition with prizes over FJD 100.
        • Operators must ensure all draws are either public or broadcast to maintain transparency.
      • Casino Licenses:
        • Currently, there are no active requirements as no licenses are being issued or maintained.

      Summary Table: Gambling License Types and Procedures in Fiji

      License Type Application Process Duration Eligibility Costs/Fees Key Requirements
      Lottery/Sweepstakes Submit application, specify purpose, obtain approval for prizes > FJD 100 Per event/competition Purpose clarity, transparency in draws Varies by authority and event scale Transparent draws, pre-approval, compliance with Gaming Act
      Casino Currently suspended Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable No new licenses issued until policy guidelines are set

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Fiji

      Type of Gambling Tax Rate Basis of Taxation
      Lotteries 15% Gross Proceeds (Total ticket sales)

      Basis for Taxation

      • The main form of gambling taxation in Fiji is a 15% tax applied to the gross proceeds of lotteries. Gross proceeds are defined as the total amount collected from ticket sales before any deductions.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • The promoter of a lottery must calculate the total gross proceeds from ticket sales.
      • Payment of the 15% tax must be made to the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS) within 7 days of the lottery draw date.
      • Promoters are required to submit relevant documentation and payment directly to the Commissioner at FRCS within the specified timeframe.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • No specific tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators are publicly documented for Fiji as of the latest available information.
      • All lotteries, regardless of purpose, are subject to the same 15% gross proceeds tax unless otherwise specified by law or special provision.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for participation in gambling activities in Fiji is 18 years. Operators are required to verify the age of participants to prevent underage gambling.
      • Identification checks are mandatory for players to confirm age and identity before allowing participation in regulated gambling activities.

      Prohibited Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Casino gambling is currently not permitted in Fiji. The government has not issued any casino licenses and has stated that no casino operations are allowed until comprehensive policy guidelines are developed and approved.
      • Lotteries and sweepstakes are permitted but are subject to strict controls. Any competition or lottery offering prizes valued at more than $100 requires prior approval from the appropriate authority.
      • All draws for approved lotteries or sweepstakes must be conducted transparently, either in public view or broadcast to the public, to ensure fairness and prevent manipulation.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • All gambling-related promotions, including lotteries and sweepstakes, must clearly specify whether the competition is for charitable purposes or for profit.
      • Operators are prohibited from misleading consumers in their advertising. Transparency in the terms, conditions, and nature of the gambling activity is required to protect players from deceptive practices.
      • Advertising must not target minors or vulnerable groups and should not encourage irresponsible gambling behavior.

      Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators are required to implement measures that promote transparency and fairness, such as conducting draws publicly or broadcasting them to ensure accountability.
      • There are consumer protection mechanisms in place, with oversight from the Consumer Council of Fiji, to monitor compliance and address player complaints or concerns.
      • Responsible gambling information and support must be made available to participants, including clear communication of the risks associated with gambling and avenues for seeking help if needed.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Physical casino venues are not currently allowed anywhere in Fiji, as no casino licenses have been issued.
      • Lotteries and sweepstakes can only be conducted with the appropriate approvals and must adhere to the requirements for transparency and public oversight, regardless of location within Fiji.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1939 Rotuma (Gambling) Regulations introduced, establishing early controls on gambling activities in Rotuma, a dependency of Fiji.
        1968 Gaming Ordinance No. 65 enacted, providing a legal framework for gaming, wagering, and lotteries in Fiji.
        1991 Gambling Turnover Tax Act passed, introducing a specific tax regime for gambling activities.
        1 July 1992 Gambling Turnover Tax Act comes into force, formally taxing gambling services in Fiji.
        2009 Gaming Act 2009 adopted, modernizing and consolidating the regulation of gaming, licensing, and enforcement in Fiji.
        2011 Fiji issues its first casino license, marking the official introduction of regulated casino gaming in the country.

        Requirements

        Operators are subject to the Gambling Turnover Tax (GTT), which was introduced in Fiji on July 1, 1992. The "accountable person" responsible for tax collection is defined as the person licensed under the Gaming Act 2009 to provide gambling services. For lotteries specifically, promoters must pay fifteen percent (15%) of the gross proceeds to the Commissioner within 7 days of the drawing date.

        Lottery and Sweepstakes Requirements

        Competitions offering prizes valued at more than $100 require prior approval from the appropriate authority as outlined in the Act. The draws must be conducted transparently in public view or broadcast to the public. Operators must clearly specify whether competitions are for charitable purposes or for profit.

        Enforcement and Inspection

        The Gaming Act includes provisions for enforcement, including:
        • Powers to obtain search warrants for premises suspected of illegal gaming
        • Authority for entry and search without a warrant under certain circumstances
        • Presumptions against houses and occupiers regarding illegal gaming
        • Powers for the destruction of contrivances connected with illegal gaming

        Corporate Responsibility

        The Act addresses criminal liability of officers of corporate bodies, suggesting that individual officers may be held personally responsible for compliance failures of the gambling operation. Unfortunately, the available search results do not provide specific details about software certification requirements, technical standards, data protection measures, server location requirements, anti-money laundering procedures, KYC protocols, or technical implementations for responsible gambling tools. These details may be contained in the regulations made under Section 50 of the Gaming Act 2009, which authorizes the creation of more detailed regulatory requirements. For comprehensive and current technical standards and operational requirements, gambling operators should consult directly with Fiji's gambling regulatory authorities or legal experts specializing in Fiji's gambling laws.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

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          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 21 April 2025