Online poker is not regulated in Tonga and operates in a legal gray area. The country's Criminal Offences Act defines gaming as playing any game of mere chance for money or other stakes, with participation subject to fines or jail time up to three months (2). However, Tonga licenses neither commercial casinos nor online gambling operators, and while online gambling is not technically prohibited, no legal avenues exist for citizens to engage in online poker through licensed domestic platforms (1).
The Ministry of Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs regulate gambling activities in Tonga, ensuring operations follow the law and preventing illegal activities (1). Most gambling within the country is confined to charitable events and fundraising activities under strict regulations. Commercial casinos, sports betting, and online gambling services are not licensed or regulated, with the government maintaining a restrictive attitude toward gambling based on cultural and societal values rooted in Polynesian tradition.
"While online gambling is not technically prohibited, no legal avenues are provided for citizens of Tonga to perform online gambling through licensed domestic platforms."
Citizens can access offshore gambling websites offering poker games, though these fall outside legal protection (1). The Criminal Offences Act was amended in 1999 to include Section 83A on Licensed Games, stating that gaming prohibitions do not apply to games played under a license obtained under legislation (2). However, no further legislative progress has been made, and as of 2024, there remains minimal political will to reform gambling laws, with Tonga showing no interest in regulating and taxing online gambling activities despite global trends.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-tonga/
https://lcb.org/restrictions/tonga
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
