A gaming law allowing casinos and internet gambling in the Pacific nation has been recently passed by Papua New Guinea’s parliament. The law was introduced by Michael Somare and passed 61-0. That was the last session before the general election in June.
In spite of these imposing votes for, there were 8 MP who had left the chamber before the voting started. Treasurer Rabbie Namaliu, Community Development Minister Carol Kidu and some others were among them. Negative reaction is also expected to come from churches and women’s groups.
The law is expected to keep out criminal exploitation and impose strict entry requirements.
Besides, the law will allow each PNG’s province to maintain one casino license for 10 years.
With the law having been passed, a Korean consortium got the right to build a $ US35 million ($ A 42.38 million) five-star hotel and casino in Port Moresby. The project has already been approved.
Now, with the law PNG can earn income from taxing PNG-based internet gaming, and at the same time discourage Papua New Guineans from gambling.