Legal Betting in Papua New Guinea

Review of Betting Legality in Papua New Guinea

Gambling in Papua New Guinea (PNG) operates within a semi-regulated framework. Retail gambling is permitted and strictly regulated, while the legality of online betting remains ambiguous due to the absence of specific legislation.

Legal Framework

The Gaming Control Act of 2007 is the primary legislation governing gambling in PNG, administered by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB). It regulates land-based gambling, including lotteries, gaming machines, and betting shops, but does not address online platforms. Consequently, international betting operators can serve PNG residents without a local license, provided they comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and global standards. The government is considering reforms to regulate online betting, focusing on social and financial implications.

Popular Betting Platforms

Due to the lack of online betting regulations, PNG citizens frequently use international betting platforms. These global operators offer sports betting, casino games, and other gambling options, characterized by competitive odds, diverse markets, and user-friendly mobile interfaces. Local betting sites, licensed by the NGCB, provide limited online products like sports betting and lotteries but are overshadowed by larger international platforms.

Local Betting Offices

Retail betting shops, or betting offices, are prevalent in urban centers such as Port Moresby, Lae, and Mount Hagen. Licensed by the NGCB, these venues offer in-person sports and event betting, catering to customers preferring physical transactions or lacking reliable internet access. Ranging from small kiosks to larger establishments with amenities like live sports viewing, these shops serve as social hubs but are less accessible in rural areas due to infrastructure challenges.

Legislation Governing the Betting Sector

The Gaming Control Act of 2007 establishes licensing requirements for gaming operators and enforces AML compliance, including customer identity verification and suspicious transaction reporting. It also imposes taxes on gambling revenue to support public services. While effective for retail betting, the Act does not cover online platforms, prompting discussions on legislative amendments to include online betting regulations, consumer protections, and alignment with international AML standards.

Popular Sports for Betting

Sports betting in PNG reflects cultural preferences, with rugby league being the most popular, driven by the Papua New Guinea Kumuls and the PNG National Rugby League. Football, particularly events like the FIFA World Cup and OFC Nations Cup, also attracts interest. Emerging sports include basketball, volleyball, and boxing, with betting focused on regional competitions and individual player performances.

Supplementary Information

• The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) was established in 2007.
• Betting shop licenses require annual renewal.
• Mobile penetration reached 48% in 2025, enhancing online betting accessibility.
• Rugby league accounts for approximately 65% of sports betting volume.
• All licensed operators must adhere to AML requirements.

Economic Impact of Betting

The betting industry contributes to PNG’s economy through taxation and employment. Revenue from licensed betting shops and lotteries supports public services like education and infrastructure. The NGCB ensures a portion of gambling revenue is reinvested into communities, although the industry’s economic impact remains in its early stages.

Growing Trends in the Betting Industry

Mobile betting is increasing, driven by growing smartphone adoption in semi-rural areas. International platforms are optimizing services for mobile users with apps and mobile-friendly websites. Additionally, there is a focus on responsible gaming, with operators implementing tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits. Potential legalization of online gambling could spur investment in local platforms and enhance market competition.

Betting Industry Statistics

Aspect	Details
Number of Licensed Betting Shops	Approximately 60 nationwide
Annual Gambling Tax Revenue	PGK 12 million (estimated)
Most Bet-On Sport	Rugby League (65% of bets)
Online Betting Penetration	25% of bettors use online platforms
Average Bet Size	PGK 50–150 per wager

Conclusion

PNG’s gambling landscape is shaped by a regulated retail sector and an unregulated online market. The Gaming Control Act of 2007 effectively governs betting shops, which are community staples in urban areas, while online betting, dominated by international operators, highlights the need for updated legislation. Rugby league leads sports betting, followed by football, basketball, volleyball, and boxing. The industry’s economic contributions and trends like mobile betting and responsible gaming suggest a dynamic future. Addressing regulatory gaps could enhance PNG’s betting industry while mitigating social risks.