Online poker is legal in Papua New Guinea under the Gaming Control Act 2007, which established the regulatory framework for all gambling activities in the country (1). The National Gaming Control Board oversees gambling operations and was introduced through this legislation, which deals with taxation, licensing, and regulating gambling activities. Poker is in the beginning stages of popularity, with sites offering live poker, Texas Hold'em, and other poker variants to residents.
The laws and regulations have not yet been effectively established because betting is still relatively new in Papua New Guinea (2). The government has not yet put tight laws and regulations into effect regarding sports betting and online gambling. However, there are several guidelines that each bookmaker and each client must follow to ensure compliance with existing regulations and consumer protection standards.
"The laws and regulations have not yet been effectively established because betting is still relatively new in PNG. The government has not yet put tight laws and regulations into effect regarding sports betting."
Online gambling represents a relatively new sector in Papua New Guinea's gambling landscape and currently lacks comprehensive regulation compared to land-based operations (1). The National Gaming Control Board primarily focuses its regulatory efforts on land-based activities, leaving online gambling with less oversight. The widespread use of the internet has provided many residents with easier access to online gambling platforms, including poker sites offered by both local and international operators.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-papua-new-guinea/
https://vinnews.com/2022/09/15/png-betting-interesting-facts-about-papua-new-guinea-gambling-industry/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
