Vanuatu is a Melanesian archipelago located in the western part of the South Pacific Ocean, 1,900km east of Brisbane, Australia. An archipelatic nation that became independent on the 30th of July in 1980, Vanuatu has embraced gambling over the years. Many betting sites in Vanuatu can be accesses by the local and international enthusiasts as the number of betting platform rises. This guide will focus on the betting sites in Vanuatu including gambling law history, legal framework, sports betting and the best betting options.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws in Vanuatu
The regulation of gambling in Vanuatu can be described with the help of several main legal acts.
- The Lotteries Act of 1989: These are indicators that pointed to the beginning of regulated gambling in the country.
- The Casino Control Act of 1993: legalized casino gaming, regulation is falling under the ambit of the Vanuatu Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR).
- The Interactive Gaming Act of 2000: This could be considered as a pioneer decision, which made Vanuatu one of the first countries that introduced the regulation of online gambling.
These are legal landmarks that have paved way for a comprehensive structure of land and online gambling operations.
Regulatory of Betting Sites in Vanuatu
There is no specific act for gambling in Vanuatu but the VGCB and DCIR regulates the activities of gambling in the country. It is the responsibility of the VGCB to:
- Issuing gaming licenses.
- Complying with the international standards.
- Conducting regular audits.
The DCIR is the body that regulates casino gaming and has the power to give tax relief on the promotion of casinos.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets in Vanuatu
As stated above, Vanuatu has relatively liberal laws concerning gambling; however, there are some measures. Here’s a quick overview
- Prohibited Bets:
- Gambling on the youth sporting events.
- Betting with the wrong applications and tools.
- Permitted Bets:
- Gambling on official websites.
- Betting on casino games, on lotteries, and on poker.
These regulations help to protect the activity of gambling to be as fair and safe as much as possible for everyone.
Acquiring a Gambling License in Vanuatu
Want to set up a betting website in Vanuatu? These are the key points you should be aware of:
- Application Fees: USD 35,000 for sportsbooks; USD 75,000 for other gaming.
- Annual Fees: For sportsbooks it is USD 30,000 and for other gaming it is USD 50,000.
- License Term: It is given for a period of 10 Years with a possibility of extension.
There is also an interactive gaming tax that the operators are required to pay and this stands at 2. 5% on Gross Monthly Earning and a 0. Fixed odds betting turnover tax at the rate of 1 percent. Although there are no corporate or individual income taxes in Vanuatu, it is a perfect location for the gaming companies.
Top Betting Sites in Vanuatu
There are several reliable Vanuatu betting sites which provides a variety of sports and events for the punters to place their bets on. Below are some of the best;
Up To £120 + £30 Free Bets
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
Up To £100 + 15% Free Bets
All these sites are easy to use and you will not have a problem placing your bets and watching your favorite sports.
Milestones in Vanuatu Sports History
Despite being an archipelagic nation of only 83 islands, Vanuatu has a rather active sports culture. Bellow are some of the main events that took place in the region.
- Pacific Games Participation: Vanuatu participated in all of the contests starting from the very first, held in 1983.
- Olympic Debut: The first experience at the Summer Olympic held in South Korea in 1988.
- FIFA Membership: However, it has not been able to get to the World Cup level, but participates in other regional championships.
- Beach Volleyball: The pair Henriette Latika and Miller Elwin have been dancing in the World Tour since the year 2008.
- South Pacific Games: It is evident that Tony Kaltack emerged as the champion in men’s javelin in the year 2003.
These achievements are a clear indication of the nations’ love for sports as well as the nations’ rising power in the world.
Celebrating Vanuatu’s Sports Stars
Some of the Vanuatu athletes have performed tremendously well in different sports that are recognized in the country.
- Linline Matauatu: Beach volleyballist and an Olympian of two times.
- Tony Kaltack: He is a sporting activities man and also a gold medallion winner.
- David Bong: An athlete in swimming who has swum for Vanuatu at the Olympic level.
- Toea Wisil: International multiple medalist in the sprints.
These athletes have not only made Vanuatu proud but they have also encouraged the young people to take up sports.
Gambling Laws in Neighboring Countries
While Vanuatu stands out from the rest, how does the rest of Vanuatu’s neighborhood fare?
Fiji
- Laws: The Gambling Control Act of the year 2009 is the piece of legislation that governs all forms of gambling.
- Regulatory Body: Convention between the Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands and the Government of New Zealand for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income. Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
- Taxes: Different for the different types of gambling but there are detailed rates for casinos and lotteries.
New Caledonia
- Laws: This casino is controlled by the French laws especially the French Gambling Law of 2010.
- Regulatory Body: Authorised regulatory body of online gambling in France is called ‘’ARJEL’’.
- Taxes: The normal rates of tax of the French government are used.
Solomon Islands
- Laws: The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1994 is the relevant law which governs this aspect of business in the country.
- Regulatory Body: Solomon Islands Gaming Authority.
- Taxes: Limited, mainly on the aspect of the fees for the license.
All these countries have found their way of approaching the regulation of gambling which has its advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusion
Thus, the world of Vanuatu sports betting is quite diverse and legal, which means that both regular players and businessmen will be satisfied. So, if you decide to place a bet or even start your own betting company, it is high time to know at least the basics.
FAQ about Betting Sites in Vanuatu
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