Regulatory AuthorityTuvalu National Gaming Control Commission
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Prohibited
Online Casinos
Unregulated
Betting
Prohibited
Online Betting
Prohibited
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Prohibited
Highlights
In Tuvalu, gambling is strictly regulated under the Lotteries and Gambling Act 1964.
This law prohibits virtually all forms of gambling, including online casinos and sports betting.
There is no licensing system for gambling operators in the country.
There is no authorized body responsible for issuing licenses or controlling gambling.
The only legal form of gambling is Tuvalu's national lottery (ticket sales and instant lotteries).
Organizing or conducting gambling without a proper permit (which there is none for commercial activities) is prohibited and violators can be fined.
Tuvalu residents can participate in online gambling through overseas platforms, but it remains illegal to provide such services domestically.
The legislation aims to protect citizens from the risks associated with gambling and emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The core legal framework governing gambling in Tuvalu is established by the Gaming and Lotteries Act. This Act is the principal piece of legislation that sets out the legal parameters for gaming and lottery activities within the country. It defines what constitutes gaming and lotteries, outlines the legal boundaries for such activities, and provides the basis for regulatory oversight. The Act serves as the foundation for all subsequent regulations and enforcement actions related to gambling in Tuvalu.
Regulatory Authority
Tuvalu does not have a specialized regulatory body such as the National Gambling Control Commission. The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1964 (and its amendments), which generally prohibits commercial gambling, is supervised and enforced throughout the world.
The main functions of these authorities in relation to gambling include:
The scope of this legislation, which primarily prohibits most gambling .
Controlling the determination of the formal legal form of gambling - the National Lotteries of Tuvalu - in accordance with established regulations.
Taking measures to suppress fair gambling activities within the country.
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Tuvalu
Tuvalu regulates gambling activities primarily through the Gaming and Lotteries Act. The licensing system focuses on lotteries and related gaming activities. There is no established framework for licensing online gambling or casino operations. The primary license available is for organizing lotteries, which may include raffles or similar prize-based games.
Lottery License: Required for organizing any form of lottery or prize draw. All lotteries are considered unlawful unless specifically exempted and licensed by the Minister responsible for gaming.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a formal request to the Minister responsible for gaming.
The application must include full details of the proposed lottery, including rules, prizes, and methods of operation.
Approval is granted at the discretion of the Minister, typically formalized through a notice published in the official Gazette.
There is no standardized online application process; all procedures are conducted through direct communication with government authorities.
License Duration and Renewal
Licenses are generally issued for a specific event or defined period, as stipulated in the Minister’s approval.
Renewal is not automatic; a new application must be submitted for each subsequent event or period.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be individuals or organizations deemed fit and proper by the Minister.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct the lottery in accordance with the rules and public interest.
Additional requirements may be imposed at the Minister’s discretion, depending on the nature and scale of the lottery.
Costs and Financial Requirements
A licensing fee is payable upon approval. The standard fee for a lottery license is specified in the relevant regulations.
As of the latest available information, the fee for a lottery license is AUD $50 per event or application.
Applicants may be required to provide financial guarantees or proof of prize funding, depending on the scale of the lottery.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict adherence to the approved rules and procedures for the lottery.
Accurate record-keeping and reporting of ticket sales, prize distribution, and related finances.
Prompt payment of all fees and any additional charges as determined by the authorities.
Compliance with any further conditions set by the Minister at the time of licensing.
Summary Table: Tuvalu Gambling Licensing System
License Type
Application Method
Duration
Fee
Eligibility
Key Requirements
Lottery License
Written application to Minister
Event-specific or fixed period
AUD $50 per event
Fit and proper persons or organizations
Compliance with rules, reporting, fee payment
There are currently no licenses issued for online gambling, sports betting, or casino operations in Tuvalu. The licensing system is limited to lotteries and similar prize-based games, with all other forms of gambling either unregulated or prohibited.
Gambling Tax
Gambling Taxation System in Tuvalu
Based on the most recent and available information, Tuvalu does not have a specific, published taxation system dedicated to gambling operators. The country’s legislation and regulatory framework do not outline explicit tax rates, bases for taxation, or detailed payment procedures for gambling activities. Below are the key points regarding the current status of gambling taxation in Tuvalu:
Tax Rates for Gambling Operations
There are no officially published tax rates for land-based or online gambling operators in Tuvalu.
No distinction is made between different types of gambling operations (such as casinos, betting, or lotteries) in terms of tax rates.
Basis for Taxation
There is no formal basis for taxation (such as Gross Gaming Revenue, turnover, or other metrics) specified for gambling operators in Tuvalu.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
There are no established procedures for tax reporting or payment specifically for gambling operators.
No regular filing requirements or deadlines are outlined in the available legislative resources.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, or Special Provisions
No tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions for gambling operators are specified in Tuvalu’s legal or regulatory framework.
As of April 2025, Tuvalu does not operate a regulated gambling market with an associated taxation system for operators. Any changes to this status would require the introduction of new legislation or regulatory guidelines. Operators considering Tuvalu as a jurisdiction should monitor official government sources for any updates regarding gambling taxation.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
There is no explicit, widely published minimum legal gambling age specified for Tuvalu. However, as is common in many jurisdictions with restrictive gambling environments, participation in gambling activities is generally presumed to be limited to adults, and identification may be required to verify age if gambling were to occur in a regulated context. Due to the overall prohibition and lack of licensed venues, formal age verification protocols are not detailed in available regulations.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
All forms of public gambling are prohibited in Tuvalu, including both land-based and online casino operations.
Organizing or operating any form of online gambling is not permitted, and there are no licensed online casino sites based in Tuvalu.
Lotteries are generally unlawful unless specifically exempted by the Minister through a notice published in the official Gazette.
Participation in unauthorized gambling activities in public is subject to penalties, including fines.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising or promoting gambling activities is not permitted, as there are no legal gambling operators or products to advertise within Tuvalu.
There are no provisions for gambling marketing, sponsorship, or promotional activities due to the blanket prohibition on gambling operations.
Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures
There are no formal responsible gambling requirements, support programs, or player protection measures mandated by Tuvaluan authorities, as regulated gambling is not permitted.
No self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, or access to gambling addiction support services are specified in the current regulatory framework.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Gambling is prohibited in all public spaces throughout Tuvalu.
There are no licensed gambling venues or designated areas where gambling is permitted.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1964
Enactment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act: This Act became the principal legislation governing gambling in Tuvalu. It strictly restricts gambling, permitting only certain non-commercial activities with low stakes and prizes. Commercial gambling, including casinos and bookmakers, is prohibited.
1991
Amendments to the Gaming and Lotteries Act: Amendments were made to the 1964 Act, clarifying definitions and conditions for permitted types of games. However, the overall focus of the Act on prohibiting commercial gambling remained unchanged.
~2008
Revised Edition of the Laws of Tuvalu: A revised edition of the laws of Tuvalu was published, including the text of the Gaming and Lotteries Act current at that time, incorporating all previous amendments. This edition is a compilation of existing legislation, not a new law.
2021
Amendments Concerning Pyramid Schemes: Amendments were made to the Gaming and Lotteries Act specifically targeting the prohibition of pyramid schemes. These changes strengthened measures to protect consumers from fraudulent financial schemes.
~2022
Revised Edition of the Laws of Tuvalu: Another revised edition of the laws of Tuvalu was published, reflecting the current state of the Gaming and Lotteries Act with all amendments made up to that point, including the 2021 changes. This edition, like the previous one, is an update of the compilation of existing laws, not the enactment of a new law.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
There are no specific requirements in Tuvalu for the certification of gaming software or established technical standards for gambling operators.
This is because commercial gambling in the country is primarily prohibited by the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1964.
Consequently, there is no licensing system in place that would necessitate or regulate these technical aspects.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
Tuvalu's gambling legislation does not contain specific provisions regarding player data protection, privacy measures, or server location specifically for gambling operators.
This is due to the absence of a legal and regulated commercial gambling market in the country.
Requirements like these are standard in regulated markets, but such a market does not exist in Tuvalu.
While general data protection laws may apply, they are not part of a specialized gambling regulatory framework here.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
There are no mandatory AML/CFT and KYC procedures specifically for gambling operators in Tuvalu.
This stems from the fact that commercial gambling is mostly illegal in the country.
Consequently, there is no licensed sector and no regulatory authority that would require implementing such programs for gambling activities.
General national AML/CFT requirements apply to financial institutions, but not to unlicensed gambling.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
No requirements have been established for financial reporting, audit standards, or record keeping specifically for gambling operators in Tuvalu.
This is because there is no legal commercial gambling sector in the country.
Such rules are part of the regulation of licensed activities, which do not exist in Tuvalu according to the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1964.
There are no legislative or technical requirements for implementing responsible gaming tools (such as limits or self-exclusion) for gambling operators in Tuvalu.
These measures are typically part of player protection systems in jurisdictions where gambling is legal.
Since commercial gambling in Tuvalu is primarily prohibited, such requirements are not applicable to activities within the country.
Sources
Primary Regulatory Authorities
Tuvalu National Gaming Control Commission
Contact: Government of Tuvalu, Funafuti, Tuvalu
(Official website currently not available; inquiries can be directed through the Government of Tuvalu main channels)
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.
