Gambling in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a popular form of entertainment, but many players are unsure how the law treats land-based and online casinos. This guide explains the main PNG gambling laws, age limits, licensing rules and how to stay safe when playing at online casinos that accept Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK).
Please note this guide is for information only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Laws can change, so always check the latest official regulations if you need legal certainty.
PNG allows several forms of gambling under regulation, including:
Gambling is usually regulated to prevent crime, protect minors and reduce the risk of problem gambling among PNG citizens.
The main legislation and authorities that oversee gambling activities in PNG include:
These institutions focus mainly on land-based operations located in PNG, such as betting shops, gaming lounges and local casinos.
PNG law was originally written for land-based gambling and does not always clearly address modern online casinos. As a result, many PNG players use internationally licensed online casinos that accept PGK or PGK-friendly payment methods.
In practice:
However, it is still important to choose safe, responsible and transparent brands to minimise risk.
The minimum legal age for most forms of gambling in Papua New Guinea is generally 18 years or older. This applies to:
Online casinos like Wintru also enforce age verification and require players to confirm they are adults before registering and withdrawing funds.
Regardless of legal grey areas, PNG players should always prioritise safety. Key tips include:
Responsible gambling means enjoying casino games without causing harm to yourself or others. Wintru supports the following responsible gaming principles for PNG players:
If you feel gambling may be affecting your life, consider speaking with local health services, community leaders or trusted organisations that provide counselling support.
Wintru aims to provide a safe, fair and transparent gaming environment for PNG players by:
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Gambling legislation in Papua New Guinea may change, and interpretation can vary. If you require legal certainty, please consult a qualified lawyer or official government source.
PNG laws focus mainly on land-based gambling and do not always explicitly address personal use of international online casinos. Many PNG players use licensed offshore sites, but you should always follow local regulations and play responsibly.
The minimum age for most regulated gambling activities in PNG is generally 18 years or older. Online casinos also require players to be adults.
Enforcement usually focuses on unlicensed operators rather than individual recreational players. However, it is still important to understand local laws and choose reputable, licensed sites.
Use licensed casinos, secure PGK banking methods, set personal limits and seek support if gambling stops being fun. Treat all casino play as entertainment, not income.