Is Gambling Legal in Papua New Guinea? Laws & Regulations Explained in 2025

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority National Gaming Control Board

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Unregulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Regulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

Gambling in Papua New Guinea is regulated by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), established in 1993.
The Gaming Control Act 2007 serves as the primary legislative framework for gambling activities in the country.
Licenses for land-based gambling, including casinos and slot machines, are issued and overseen by the NGCB.
Online gambling lacks specific legislation, making its legal status unclear and largely unregulated.
The government is actively considering the introduction of regulated online gambling and gaming tourism to boost revenue.
Illegal gambling persists due to enforcement challenges and gaps in regulatory implementation.
Papua New Guinea is no longer listed as a high-risk jurisdiction for anti-money laundering in the gambling sector.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The core legal framework governing gambling in Papua New Guinea is established by the Gaming Control Act 2007. This Act serves as the principal piece of legislation regulating all forms of gambling activities within the country, including land-based casinos, gaming machines, and other betting operations. The Act outlines the legal definitions, permissible gambling activities, and the general regulatory structure. It also provides the statutory basis for the establishment and powers of the national regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the gambling sector.

Regulatory Authority

Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Papua New Guinea are carried out by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The NGCB is the central regulatory authority established under the Gaming Control Act 2007. Its main responsibilities include regulating, supervising, and controlling all licensed gambling activities to ensure compliance with the law and to promote responsible gambling practices.

Regulates and monitors all licensed gambling operations in Papua New Guinea
Ensures compliance with the Gaming Control Act and related regulations
Implements policies to promote responsible gambling and player protection
Exercises enforcement powers to address illegal or non-compliant gambling activities

License Types

#Gambling Licensing System in Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea's gambling licensing system is regulated by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), which serves as the primary regulatory authority for gambling activities within the country. The licensing framework in Papua New Guinea is still developing, with some aspects of regulation remaining unclear or in transition. ### Types of Gambling Licenses The National Gaming Control Board issues several types of licenses for different gambling activities in Papua New Guinea:

Casino Gaming License - Permits the operation of land-based casino establishments
Sports Betting License - Allows for the provision of fixed-odds betting services
Lottery License - Covers national lottery operations
Gaming Machine License - For the operation of slot machines and electronic gaming devices

Online gambling remains in a regulatory gray area, with no specific licensing category clearly established for online operators. The country is categorized as a "white-level" online gambling jurisdiction, indicating that this sector lacks precise laws and regulations. ### Application Process The application process for gambling licenses in Papua New Guinea involves several steps:

Submission of a formal application to the National Gaming Control Board
Provision of detailed business plans and operational strategies
Background checks on all key personnel and shareholders
Demonstration of financial stability and viability
Compliance with anti-money laundering requirements

Applicants must present their policies for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing as part of the application process. The NGCB has been strengthening its regulatory approach, particularly regarding anti-money laundering measures, as Papua New Guinea is no longer on the FATF list of countries with strategic deficiencies in this area. ### License Duration and Renewal Gambling licenses in Papua New Guinea typically:

Have a validity period of 3-5 years (though this can vary by license type)
Require periodic compliance reviews
Need renewal applications to be submitted at least 3 months before expiration
May be subject to additional conditions upon renewal

The renewal process involves a reassessment of the operator's compliance history and financial standing. ### Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements The fee structure for gambling licenses in Papua New Guinea includes:

Initial application fees (varying by license type)
Annual license maintenance fees
Compliance audit fees

Financial requirements for license holders include:

Minimum capital requirements (specific to license type)
Bank guarantees or performance bonds
Evidence of sufficient financial resources to meet operational obligations
Financial reserves for player funds (particularly for sports betting operations)

Exact fee amounts are not publicly disclosed and may be determined on a case-by-case basis by the NGCB. ### Key Requirements for License Maintenance License holders must adhere to several ongoing requirements:

Regular compliance reporting to the NGCB
Implementation of responsible gambling measures
Maintenance of anti-money laundering protocols
Regular staff training on compliance matters
Adherence to advertising and marketing restrictions
Maintenance of secure and fair gaming systems

The NGCB conducts periodic inspections and audits to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties, sanctions, or license revocation. ### Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for a gambling license in Papua New Guinea, applicants must:

Demonstrate good character and financial integrity
Have no criminal history related to fraud or financial crimes
Possess relevant industry experience or expertise
Maintain transparent ownership structures
Show commitment to responsible gambling practices

Foreign operators may face additional scrutiny and potentially different eligibility requirements compared to local entities. The regulatory landscape in Papua New Guinea continues to evolve, with the NGCB working to strengthen its oversight of the gambling industry and ensure compliance with international standards for responsible gambling and anti-money laundering measures.

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea imposes taxes on gambling operators, primarily through the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The main forms of gambling subject to taxation include land-based casinos, gaming machines (pokies), and lotteries. The tax structure is typically based on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is the difference between the total amount wagered and the total winnings paid out to players.

Type of Gambling	Tax Rate	Tax Basis
Gaming Machines (Pokies)	Up to 50%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Lotteries	Varies (typically 20–30%)	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Casino Operations	To be determined (expected to be in line with regional standards, e.g., 15–30% GGR)	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)

Tax Payment Procedures

Taxes are calculated monthly based on the reported GGR for each type of gambling activity.
Operators are required to submit detailed monthly revenue and payout reports to the National Gaming Control Board.
Tax payments must be made directly to the government treasury or through designated NGCB accounts, typically within a set period after the end of each reporting month (commonly within 14–30 days).
Failure to pay taxes on time may result in penalties, interest charges, or suspension of operating licenses.

Tax Reporting Requirements

Operators must maintain accurate records of all wagers, payouts, and GGR for each gambling product.
Monthly tax returns must be filed with the NGCB, accompanied by supporting documentation (transaction logs, payout summaries, etc.).
Annual audits by certified accountants may be required to verify compliance and accuracy of reported figures.
NGCB conducts regular inspections and compliance checks to ensure proper tax reporting and payment.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

There are currently no widely publicized tax incentives or exemptions specifically for gambling operators in Papua New Guinea.
Special provisions may be negotiated for large-scale or pioneering projects (such as the first casino), but these are handled on a case-by-case basis and require direct negotiation with the NGCB and relevant government authorities.
No official information is available regarding reduced rates or tax holidays for online gambling, as this sector remains under development.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in Papua New Guinea is 18 years. Gambling operators are required to verify the age of players to prevent underage gambling.
Identification checks are mandatory for players to confirm their age and identity before they are allowed to participate in gambling activities, especially for higher-value transactions or prize claims.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

Certain forms of gambling, such as unlicensed or illegal gambling operations, are strictly prohibited. This includes unauthorized betting shops, unregulated online gambling sites, and informal gaming venues.
There are restrictions on the types of games that can be offered by licensed operators, with a focus on excluding games that are considered to have a high risk of addiction or are not officially approved by the regulatory authority.
Online gambling is permitted only through authorized and licensed operators. Participation in unlicensed online gambling, including offshore sites not recognized by local authorities, is not allowed.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Advertising and promotion of gambling services are subject to strict controls to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable populations.
Advertisements must not portray gambling as a means to solve financial problems or as an essential part of social success.
Marketing materials must include responsible gambling messages and clear information about the risks associated with gambling.
Direct advertising to individuals known to be underage or self-excluded is prohibited.

Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

Operators are required to provide clear information on responsible gambling, including the risks of gambling and resources for seeking help with problem gambling.
Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues or online platforms.
Limits on deposits, wagers, and losses are to be offered, enabling players to manage their gambling activity and avoid excessive spending.
Operators must ensure that staff are trained to identify and assist players who may be experiencing gambling-related harm.
Information about support services and helplines for problem gambling must be prominently displayed at gambling venues and on websites.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Land-based gambling venues are restricted to designated areas and must not be located near schools, places of worship, or other sensitive locations to minimize exposure to minors and vulnerable groups.
Mobile and online gambling platforms must implement geo-blocking to prevent access from regions where gambling is not permitted.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1993	Enactment of the Gaming Act, establishing the first formal legal framework for gambling in Papua New Guinea.
1994	Establishment of the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) to regulate and oversee the gaming industry.
2007	Amendments to the Gaming Act to address regulatory gaps and strengthen oversight of gaming operations.
2016	Further updates to gambling legislation, focusing on anti-money laundering measures and increased transparency.
2021	Announcement of plans to build Papua New Guinea's first land-based casino in Port Moresby, sparking debate over regulatory capacity and social impact.
2022	National Gaming Control Board signals intent to introduce online gambling regulations and promote gaming tourism as part of revenue-raising efforts.
2025	Public awareness campaigns by the National Gaming Control Board emphasize responsible gambling and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

Gambling operators must ensure that all gaming software used is certified by recognized testing laboratories to guarantee fairness, randomness, and integrity of games.
Technical systems must comply with standards set by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), including requirements for secure and tamper-proof software architecture.
Operators are required to implement robust technical controls to prevent manipulation or unauthorized access to gaming systems.
All updates or changes to gaming software must undergo re-certification before deployment in a live environment.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

Operators must implement strong data protection protocols, including encryption for data in transit and at rest, to safeguard player information and transaction records.
Personal data collected from players must be stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel for legitimate business or regulatory purposes.
Operators are required to comply with privacy standards that align with international best practices, ensuring transparency in data collection, processing, and retention policies.
Server infrastructure hosting gaming and player data must be located within Papua New Guinea or in jurisdictions approved by the NGCB, ensuring regulatory oversight and data sovereignty.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

Operators must implement comprehensive AML programs, including risk assessments, monitoring of transactions, and reporting of suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
Customer due diligence is mandatory, requiring operators to verify the identity, age, and source of funds for all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Enhanced due diligence procedures must be applied to high-risk customers or transactions, with ongoing monitoring for unusual or suspicious patterns.
Operators are required to maintain detailed records of all KYC and AML checks for a minimum period specified by the regulator, ensuring traceability and compliance with legal obligations.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed transaction logs, player account balances, and payout reports.
Regular financial audits by independent, NGCB-approved auditors are required to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.
Operators are obligated to submit periodic financial and operational reports to the NGCB, detailing revenue, expenses, and player activity.
All records, including those related to financial transactions, AML/KYC procedures, and game outcomes, must be retained for a minimum period as specified by the regulator for inspection and compliance reviews.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators must integrate responsible gambling features into their platforms, including self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit and loss limits, and reality checks for players.
Technical systems must be capable of enforcing player-imposed limits and automatically restricting access when limits are reached.
Information on responsible gambling tools and support resources must be clearly displayed and accessible to all players within the gaming environment.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problematic gambling and implement intervention protocols as mandated by the NGCB.

Sources

Primary Regulatory Authorities

National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) – Official regulatory body for gambling in Papua New Guinea
Email: info@ngcb.com.pg
Phone: +675 321 2222
Address: National Gaming Control Board, Level 1, Pacific View Apartments, Champion Parade, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea