If you’re interested in playing casino games online and you’re based in Papua New Guinea, you’re probably wondering: is online gambling legal in Papua New Guinea? The answer isn’t entirely straightforward, but in this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about gambling laws, what’s allowed, what’s unregulated, and how to stay safe when gambling online in PNG.
The Legal Landscape of Gambling in Papua New Guinea
As of 2025, Papua New Guinea does not have specific laws that regulate or prohibit online gambling. The existing legislation focuses mainly on physical casinos and land-based betting operations. There are no clear government directives that either license or ban online casino activities for PNG residents.
So, is online gambling legal in Papua New Guinea? Because no laws explicitly forbid it, the industry remains unregulated. PNG players can freely access international platforms.
This legal gap means that many international online casinos operate in Papua New Guinea’s digital space without being blocked or penalized. PNG players can legally register, deposit, and play on these platforms because there is currently no active enforcement against online gambling.
What the Current Laws Say
Gambling in PNG is generally governed by the Gaming Control Act, which was originally designed to cover land-based operations such as:
- Lotteries
- Pokies (slot machines) in venues
- Local sports betting
However, the Act does not include specific provisions for online casinos, pokies sites, or sportsbook platforms. As such, it leaves room for interpretation and creates the ongoing debate: is online gambling legal in Papua New Guinea under current regulations?
So… Is It Legal?
Because there are no laws that clearly allow or restrict online gambling:
- Online gambling is not explicitly legal, but
- It is also not illegal — making it a legally grey area
In other words, is online gambling legal in Papua New Guinea? Technically no, but it’s not illegal either. PNG players are not being prosecuted for gambling online. Most rely on offshore, licensed platforms that accept registrations from Papua New Guinea.
Can You Use International Casinos?
Yes. PNG players can access international online casinos that are licensed in jurisdictions such as:
- Malta
- Curacao
- Philippines (PAGCOR)
These casinos offer a wide range of games including:
- Pokies (slots)
- Live casino
- Fishing games
- Sportsbook and horse racing
- Spribe games like Aviator
And again, to reinforce: is online gambling legal in Papua New Guinea? It’s unregulated, so using offshore platforms is currently allowed.
How to Stay Safe When Gambling Online in PNG
Since the market is unregulated, PNG players should take extra precautions when choosing an online casino. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Play on Licensed Platforms
Look for casinos licensed by respected authorities such as:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Curacao eGaming
- PAGCOR (Philippines)
2. Check for Responsible Gaming Tools
Safe sites offer features like:
- Deposit limits
- Self-exclusion
- Reality checks
3. Use Secure Payment Methods
Choose PNG-friendly deposit options like:
- bmobile money
- Digicel CellMoni
- Bank transfer
- Credit/debit cards
4. Read the Terms and Conditions
Make sure you understand:
- Wagering requirements
- Withdrawal limits
- Country restrictions
One more time: is online gambling legal in Papua New Guinea? Until a law says otherwise, the use of licensed international platforms is widely accepted.
Should the Government Regulate Online Gambling?
There has been growing discussion around the potential benefits of regulating online gambling in PNG. Regulation could:
- Generate tax revenue
- Ensure player protection
- Control underage access
- Prevent fraud and abuse
However, no formal steps have been taken yet. Until laws are passed, PNG remains an open market for international casino platforms.
FAQs
Is it legal to play online pokies in Papua New Guinea?
Yes. Since online gambling is not restricted under PNG law, you can play online pokies (slots) on international platforms.
Can I use mobile payment methods to deposit at online casinos?
Yes. Many platforms accept bmobile and Digicel CellMoni for PNG users.
Will I get in trouble for gambling online in PNG?
No. As of now, there are no known cases of PNG players being prosecuted for using online casinos. This adds to the belief that online gambling is legal in Papua New Guinea in practice, even if not clearly written in law.
Which casino sites are safe for PNG players?
Trusted names include CasinoPNG, PokieWorld, and OceanKing Casino, which all support PNG payments and offer fair gameplay.
Conclusion
So, is online gambling legal in Papua New Guinea? Technically, there are no laws against it, but also no regulations for it. This means that players can use international online casinos freely, as long as they choose reputable platforms that offer secure payments, fair games, and responsible gaming tools.
As PNG’s gambling environment continues to evolve, staying informed and playing responsibly is your best bet. For now, the doors remain open for PNG residents to enjoy pokies, sportsbook betting, live casino, horse racing, and even Spribe games on trusted international platforms.