Online bingo is explicitly classified as illegal gambling in Papua New Guinea under the Gaming Control Act 2007 (1). The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has declared that games played in exchange for money, including online bingo and card games, are prohibited without proper licensing (1). According to NGCB enforcement notices, anyone caught engaged in online bingo faces strict penalties including fines and imprisonment, making participation a serious legal concern (1).
The Gaming Control Act 2007 established the NGCB as the primary regulatory authority overseeing all gambling activities in Papua New Guinea (2). While the legislation permits regulated land-based gambling such as casinos and licensed betting shops, online gambling remains poorly regulated compared to traditional gambling establishments (2). The NGCB lacks sufficient monetary resources and technical expertise to effectively monitor and control online gambling platforms, creating enforcement challenges despite the legal prohibition on online bingo (2).
"Games like card games, bingo, ludo king, online games, dart, and hi-lo that were played in exchange for money were deemed illegal. Anyone caught could face a K5,000 fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months."
PNG residents who attempt to access online bingo through offshore gambling platforms operate in violation of the Gaming Control Act 2007, risking significant legal consequences (1). The NGCB, in collaboration with the Royal PNG Constabulary, actively conducts nationwide awareness campaigns educating the public about the illegality of online bingo and other unregulated gambling activities (1). However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with limited capacity to prosecute individual players compared to focusing on illegal operators and unlicensed gambling venues in rural areas (2). Those engaging with offshore online bingo platforms remain vulnerable to financial loss and fraudulent practices due to the lack of regulatory protection (2).
Source:
https://www.thenational.com.pg/k5000-fine-or-jail-over-illegal-gambling/
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-papua-new-guinea/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
