THE recent announcement by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) that it will be partnering with a private firm to build a casino in downtown Port Moresby’s Paga Hill raises serious governance implications on the sector, says Transparency International PNG (TIPNG).
This comes after NGCB and the Paga Hill Development Company (PHDC) signed an MOU to build a Pacific Pearl Casino which in its first phase of development will cost at least K150 million.
Chair of the TIPNG Board Peter Aitsi in a media statement said casino deal puts NGCB in a compromised position.
“In signing this agreement, the State through the NGCB is seriously undermining its independence as the industry regulator.
“Regulators like the NGCB have the important role to uphold and maintain the probity and the integrity of operators in the gaming sector and of individuals involved in the sector.
“They are the referee responsible for applying the rules of the game; they should not be running around as a player on the field. This type of conduct may lead to an abuse of the rules and bias in decision making.
“TIPNG calls on the Board Members of the NGCB to ensure their role as an oversight body under the Gaming Control Act is not diminished in pursing this agreement.
“The global experience with casinos suggests an increased likelihood of money-laundering and undue political influence where the regulator is weak or is compromised. TIPNG calls for details of the MOU to be made public and all financial details involving the use of public monies be disclosed. We don’t want to end up in the same situation as past failed investments like the 5-Star Boroko Casino Hotel scandal,” said Mr. Aitsi.
In seeking means of increasing revenue generation, the State must ensure good governance, the rule of law so the well-being of our citizens is protected, and importantly public funds are not wasted, he said.