THE National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) commends the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for its partnership and support in the ongoing Operesen Rausim Illegal Gambling, which commenced in the Highlands Region.
The Board is also calling on all relevant government agencies, regulators, law enforcement bodies, stakeholders, and communities to work together to eradicate illegal gambling across Papua New Guinea, both online and offline.
As the regulator of Papua New Guinea’s gaming industry, NGCB has observed a growing prevalence of illegal gambling operations across the country. These unlawful activities not only operate outside the Gaming Control Act 2007 but also deprive the State of much-needed tax revenue, fail to comply with national gaming laws and regulatory requirements, exploit vulnerable Papua New Guineans, and expose underage children and marginalized communities to harmful gambling activities instead of productive pursuits such as education, employment, and agriculture.
In response to this growing prevalence, NGCB has intensified its enforcement efforts through the implementation of Operesen Rausim Illegal Gambling, aimed at strengthening compliance with the Gaming Control Act 2007, protecting the public from the harmful effects of illegal gambling, and preserving the integrity of Papua New Guinea’s regulated gaming industry.
The operation forms part of NGCB’s ongoing regulatory mandate to promote integrity, accountability, transparency, and responsible gaming throughout the country.
NGCB has already commenced enforcement activities in Western Highlands and Jiwaka Provinces, where joint operations conducted last week resulted in the arrest of 65 individuals allegedly involved in illegal gambling activities.
To strengthen the fight against illegal gambling, NGCB is seeking the support and collaboration of key government agencies and regulators. The Board has formally written to the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), as the regulator of commercial banks, seeking assistance in addressing the use of banking services and financial accounts by illegal gambling operators.
Similar correspondence has also been issued to the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and other key agencies, including:
•National Intelligence Organization (NIO)
• Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
• Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG)
• Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC)
• Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit (FASU) of the Bank of Papua New Guinea
These collaborative efforts are intended to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, enhance intelligence sharing, identify, monitor, and disrupt illicit financial transactions associated with illegal gambling operations, and prevent illegal gambling operators from exploiting both digital and traditional platforms within Papua New Guinea.
NGCB Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, Ms. Imelda Agon, said the operation demonstrates the Board’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities and safeguarding the integrity of Papua New Guinea’s gaming industry.
“Illegal gambling undermines lawful gaming operations, deprives the Government of legitimate tax revenue, and exploits vulnerable individuals and families for financial gain. It also exposes children and marginalized members of our communities to gambling activities that rob them of opportunities to engage in education, employment, agriculture, and other productive activities to maintain their livelihoods. These illegal operators have no regard for the law, consumer protection, or the well-being of our people.”
Ms. Agon said eliminating illegal gambling requires strong inter-agency cooperation and active community participation.
“No single agency can effectively combat illegal gambling alone. Success requires a united national effort involving government institutions, law enforcement agencies, regulators, provincial authorities, community leaders, churches, businesses, and the public. Together, we can dismantle illegal gambling networks, protect our communities, and ensure that all gaming activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with the law.”
She further urged all stakeholders to support the successful implementation of Operesen Rausim Illegal Gambling and work collectively towards eradicating illegal gambling activities in the country.
“The National Gaming Control Board remains committed to fostering a safe, fair, transparent, and responsible gaming environment for all Papua New Guineans.”
The Board will continue to work closely with government agencies and stakeholders to dismantle illegal gambling operations and uphold a transparent, accountable, and well-regulated gaming industry.