Gambling in Solomon Islands is primarily regulated by the Gaming and Lotteries Act, which covers land-based activities.
Commercial and charitable lotteries are permitted under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, with specific provisions for each.
There is no specific legislation addressing or regulating online gambling or remote betting in the Solomon Islands.
Offshore online gambling sites are accessible to residents, as local law does not restrict or regulate their use.
Licensing for land-based gambling activities is overseen by government authorities, typically requiring ministerial approval.
Taxation and regulatory details for gambling operators are defined by the Gaming and Lotteries Act, but online operators are not taxed locally.
Limited internet access in the country has contributed to the lack of focus on regulating online gambling.
Technical Compliance Assistance
Our specialists will help you understand technical compliance requirements for gambling operations
Legislation
Primary Legislation
The principal legal framework governing gambling in the Solomon Islands is the Gaming and Lotteries Act. This Act regulates most forms of land-based gambling, including commercial lotteries and charitable gaming activities. The legislation provides the foundation for the operation, oversight, and legal status of gambling activities within the country. Notably, the Act does not contain provisions specifically addressing online gambling, meaning that distant or internet-based betting is not regulated or mentioned under current Solomon Islands law.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in the Solomon Islands are carried out by government authorities designated under the Gaming and Lotteries Act. These authorities are responsible for the administration and regulation of gambling activities as defined by the Act.
Supervision of compliance with the Gaming and Lotteries Act
Authorization and monitoring of permitted gambling activities
Ensuring lawful conduct of commercial and charitable lotteries
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Solomon Islands
Land-based Casino License: Permits operation of physical casino establishments.
Lottery License: Allows for commercial and charitable lotteries, as defined under the Gaming and Lotteries Act.
Online Gambling Licensing
There is currently no specific licensing framework for online gambling in the Solomon Islands. Online gambling is not regulated, and there are no procedures for obtaining a local online gambling license.
Operators and players typically rely on offshore sites licensed in other jurisdictions, as Solomon Islands law does not address distant betting or online casino operations.
Application Process for Land-Based and Lottery Licenses
Authority: The licensing process is overseen by the designated government ministry, typically with the Minister responsible for gaming publishing approvals in the official Gazette.
Premises Approval: For casino operations, the premises must be approved as suitable for gaming activities.
Application Submission: Applicants must submit a formal application to the relevant ministry, specifying the type of gaming activity and location.
Ministerial Nomination: The Minister may nominate specific games and approve the premises where gaming can occur.
Duration and Renewal of Licenses
Licenses are typically issued for a defined period, as specified in the approval notice or the Gaming and Lotteries Act.
Renewal conditions depend on continued compliance with the Act and any conditions set out at the time of licensing.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate suitability to operate gaming activities, including financial stability and integrity.
Premises must meet safety and operational standards as determined by the authorities.
For charitable lotteries, the organizing body must meet criteria for charitable status as defined by law.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Specific licensing fees and financial requirements are set by the government and may vary depending on the type of license and scale of operations.
Applicants should be prepared to pay initial application fees, annual licensing fees, and potentially provide financial guarantees or bonds as required by the authorities.
Exact fee amounts are determined by the relevant ministry and published in official government notices or regulations.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict compliance with the Gaming and Lotteries Act and any conditions attached to the license.
Regular reporting and record-keeping as required by the regulatory authority.
Maintenance of premises and operations in accordance with approved standards.
Prompt payment of all applicable fees and charges.
For lotteries, adherence to rules regarding the allocation of proceeds, especially for charitable purposes.
Summary Table: Gambling License System in Solomon Islands
License Type
Available For
Online Licensing
Application Authority
Fees
Duration
Renewal
Land-based Casino
Physical casinos
Not available
Ministerial approval
Set by government
Specified in license
Subject to compliance
Lottery
Commercial & charitable lotteries
Not available
Ministerial approval
Set by government
Specified in license
Subject to compliance
Note: There is no current system for licensing online gambling operators in the Solomon Islands. All online gambling activity is conducted via offshore operators, and no local licenses are issued or required for such activities.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Solomon Islands
As of the most recent available information, there is no specific, detailed tax regime publicly outlined for gambling operators in the Solomon Islands. The country’s gambling sector is primarily governed by the Gaming and Lotteries Act, which covers licensing and operational requirements, but does not explicitly set out standardized tax rates for different types of gambling operations, such as casinos, lotteries, or online gambling.
Basis for Taxation
There is no clear, published basis for taxation such as Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), turnover, or net profit specifically for gambling operators in the Solomon Islands.
For lotteries, which are permitted under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, any applicable fees or levies are determined by the Act and associated regulations, but explicit tax rates or calculation methods are not publicly specified.
Online gambling is not specifically regulated or taxed, as there are no laws addressing distant betting or offshore online gambling activities.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
There are no detailed, publicly available procedures for tax reporting or payment specifically for gambling operators.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
No formal tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions for gambling operators are specified in the available regulatory framework.
Charitable lotteries may be treated differently under the law, but specific tax exemptions or reduced rates are not detailed in public sources.
Summary Table: Taxation of Gambling Operators in Solomon Islands
Type of Gambling
Tax Rate
Basis for Tax
Reporting/Payment
Incentives/Exemptions
Land-based Casinos
Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
None specified
Lotteries
Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
Charitable lotteries may have special provisions
Online Gambling
Not regulated/taxed
Not regulated/taxed
Not regulated/taxed
Not applicable
In summary, the Solomon Islands currently lacks a transparent, codified taxation system for gambling operators. Any applicable taxes, fees, or levies are not standardized or publicly disclosed, and online gambling remains unregulated and untaxed. Operators should consult directly with local authorities or legal experts for any case-specific obligations.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions
Gambling activities in the Solomon Islands are subject to minimum age requirements. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate in legal gambling activities. Identification verification is generally required to ensure compliance with the age restriction, particularly for land-based venues and when claiming lottery prizes.
Prohibited Activities
Unlicensed gambling operations are not permitted; only authorized forms of gambling, such as commercial and charitable lotteries, are allowed.
Certain types of gambling, including unauthorized casino operations and unregulated betting, are prohibited.
There are no specific restrictions on online gambling provided by offshore operators, as the Solomon Islands does not currently regulate or prohibit access to international gambling sites.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising of gambling services is generally restricted to licensed operators within the Solomon Islands.
Marketing of unauthorized or unlicensed gambling activities is prohibited.
There are limitations on promoting gambling to minors and vulnerable groups, with operators required to avoid targeting these populations in their advertisements.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Licensed operators are required to implement measures to promote responsible gambling, such as providing information about the risks of gambling and offering self-exclusion options.
Operators must display clear warnings about the dangers of gambling and information on how to seek help for problem gambling.
Player identification and age verification help prevent underage gambling and protect vulnerable individuals.
There are requirements to ensure fair play and transparency in all authorized gambling activities.
Geographic or Location Restrictions
Land-based gambling venues are restricted to approved locations and must comply with zoning and local authority regulations.
Gambling activities are not permitted in unauthorized or unlicensed premises.
There are no geographic restrictions on accessing offshore online gambling sites, as these are not regulated by the Solomon Islands.
Gambling Regulatory Consultation
Get expert advice on gambling regulations and operational requirements
Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1960
The Gaming and Lotteries Act is enacted, establishing the legal framework for the regulation of gambling and lotteries in the Solomon Islands.
1978
Solomon Islands gains independence from the United Kingdom; the existing Gaming and Lotteries Act continues as the primary legislation governing gambling.
1980s
Minor amendments are made to the Gaming and Lotteries Act to clarify permitted gambling activities and administrative procedures.
1995
Key amendments to the Gaming and Lotteries Act expand the scope of regulated gambling activities, including commercial lotteries and charitable gaming.
2000s
Government issues new regulations under the Gaming and Lotteries Act to address licensing and oversight of land-based gaming operations.
2010s
Discussions begin on the need to update gambling laws to address online gambling, but no specific legislation is introduced for remote gaming.
2020s
The regulatory framework remains largely unchanged; the Gaming and Lotteries Act continues to govern gambling, with no dedicated laws for online gambling, leaving offshore online gambling unregulated.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards Requirements
There are currently no specific software certification or technical standards requirements imposed on gambling operators in the Solomon Islands. The jurisdiction does not have a formal regulatory framework for online gambling, and there are no published standards for game fairness, RNG certification, or system integrity.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
No explicit data protection or privacy regulations specific to gambling operators are in force in the Solomon Islands.
There are no requirements regarding the physical location of gambling servers or data storage for operators targeting or based in the Solomon Islands.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
The Solomon Islands does not have detailed AML or KYC procedures specifically tailored for gambling operators.
No formal technical requirements exist for customer identity verification, transaction monitoring, or suspicious activity reporting within the gambling sector.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
There are no established financial reporting, auditing, or record-keeping obligations for gambling operators under Solomon Islands law.
No technical standards for the format, frequency, or retention of gambling transaction records are prescribed.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
The Solomon Islands does not mandate the implementation of responsible gambling tools or features (such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, or reality checks) for gambling operators.
No technical specifications or operational requirements for responsible gambling measures are in place.
In summary, the Solomon Islands lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for gambling operators, and therefore does not impose technical or operational requirements related to software certification, data protection, AML/KYC, financial reporting, or responsible gambling tools.
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.
