Minister Responsible for National Gaming Control Board, Manasseh Makiba, MP has challenged the Board and Management of NGCB to collect annual gaming revenue of K2 billion starting next year.
He made this remark during a welcome reception at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby on 13th December 2022. Minister Makiba while was pleased with the Board’s performance and achievements for the past 27 years said in line with the Government’s ‘take back PNG’, NGCB must align with Government policy to take back gaming industry.
“The Board and Management must reach a target of K2 billion in revenue in 2023 and onwards and meet the Government’s aim for the country to become a K200 billion economy in the next 10 years.”
“I am pleased to know that the NGCB generates over K55 million monthly of which fifty five percent (55%) goes directly to Government in the form of tax through IRC.
“I want the Board to keep this momentum but must set target to increase the revenue and assist the Government on the development phases of our country to be smart, wise, fair, healthy and a happy society by 2050. The Minister further said that he will work with the Board and Management to create Investment and Dividend Trust Funds and certain percentage from the Community Benefit Fund 7% levy received monthly be allocated to these two new Trust Funds.
“This is to assist the Board park aside funds and invest into businesses for sustainability in the long run”, Minister
Makiba said.
The Minister was adamant that the Community Benefit Trust Fund ‘Give Back Program’ be revisited and changes
be made to ensure funds are diverted to strategic development as well as consider investing into businesses as part of long term growth, development and sustainability of the Board.
“ I am aware that NGCB has invested a lot into sports in the country, thus it is time we prioritize and look at ways to expand the industry and generate more revenue to support the Government achieving the Vision 2050,” Minister Makiba said.
Furthermore, the Minister said the Gaming Control Bill 2021 is still under review and when complete, he will table in Parliament .
“The new bill will include proper regulation of other gaming such as casino, online gaming, sports betting lottery and other games”, Minister said.
He said the core functions of NGCB is to regulate all forms of legalized gambling activities and stop illegal gambling that will affect people’s lives.
“The NGCB will be working around the clock in 2023 to monitor and close all illegal gambling activities,” Minister
said.
He added that the regulations will be tightened to strictly prevent young people under the age of 18 years and older people over the age of 70 years from getting involved in gambling.
The Minister said Minister also clarified that one casino license is given to Paga Hill Development Limited to support Government’s Special Economic Zone Development in Port Moresby on provisional basis to be reviewed in three (3) years.
He said if no development of casino takes place by Paga Hill Development within 3 years, then the license can be revoked and a floating casino by way of ships with casino can be licensed to dock in Port Moresby wharf to trial out how casino will fare in PNG and if positive outcome then onshore casino will be seriously developed as part of Special Economic Zone Development.
NGCB Chairman Clemence Kanau while congratulating the Minister of his appointment assured him that the Board stands ready to work with his office to deliver tangible key government agendas and policy matters concerning the gaming industry.
“ The Board has set target to increase monthly revenue from K55 million to K100 million and this will be possible with introduction of online gaming and gaming tourism,” Kanau said.
The Chairman said the Board has been working tirelessly despite confronted with the COVDI-19 pandemic in early 2020 and 2021.
“At the time of our appointment in 2021 we were confronted with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This had a devastating effect on the industry. Our operations throughout the country were severely disrupted, resulting in a loss of over K200 million in revenue during the shutdown period.
“Working closely with CEO Imelda Agon and her management, my board held nine (9) extraordinary board meetings to find ways to reopen the industry and keep it operational in the midst of the pandemic.
“We crafted out a business continuity plan that would satisfy the requirements of government, and be in compliance with guidelines imposed by the Controller under the COVID-19 Emergency Act.” Kanau said.
The Chairman further added that the Board has approved the Gaming Control Bill 2021 which has taken the NGCB six years to thoroughly go through, review and amend the Act to ensure the laws are consistent with the industry’s best practices.
NGCB Chief Executive Officer, Imelda Agon shared the same sentiment and said NGCB was once a back office operated on an ad hoc basis. She said fast forward to today, NGCB makes millions of kina for the country and it stands to serve the 8 million plus people of this country.
“ I acknowledge the Prime Minister for his leadership and vision for the country and welcome the appointment of +Honorable Manesseh Makiba as the Minister Responsible for the NGCB Matters and also Bougainville Affairs.
“I stand together with my management team who have been working tirelessly behind the scene to ensure we serve the government and the people.
The CEO said my management team will be working closely with the Board to meet the target set by the Minister. She further alluded the importance of team effort in progressing the NGCB’s vision and goals as well the country’s.