This survey is intended for informational and research purposes only. Gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment, never as a financial strategy. If gambling is causing concern for you or someone you know, help is available.
National Gambling Helpline (Australia): 1800 858 858 — Free, confidential support 24/7. For PNG-based support, contact 1800 611 or visit your local health authority.
📞 Call 1800 611Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted exclusively by PNG Online Casino Review (dailygamingtips.com) during March 2026. Respondents were recruited via opt-in digital panels, social media outreach, and partner network newsletters. All participants confirmed they were aged 18 or over, currently residing in Papua New Guinea or identifying as PNG nationals, and had engaged in at least one form of online gambling activity within the 12 months prior to the survey date.
Data was cleaned to remove duplicate submissions, bot responses, and incomplete surveys (defined as less than 80% completion rate). Responses were weighted by age and gender to reflect the known demographics of online gambling participation in the region. All monetary figures are expressed in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) unless otherwise noted. Statistical significance was tested at the 95% confidence level. Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
10 Key Findings
All statistics sourced from: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
Preferred Payment Methods
Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
Mobile money solutions — predominantly through Digicel MiCash and BSP Mobile Banking — dominate as the preferred deposit method among PNG online players, reflecting the country's high mobile penetration rate relative to traditional banking infrastructure. Cryptocurrency adoption is notably high at 14%, driven largely by USDT (Tether) and Bitcoin usage among the 25–44 age demographic. Credit and debit card usage has declined 6 percentage points since our 2024 survey, partly attributed to increased card rejection rates at international gambling merchants.
Average Monthly Spend by Age Group
| Age Group | Avg. Monthly Spend (PGK) | Spend Distribution | % of Respondents | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18–24 | PGK 185 | 22% | +18% | |
| 25–34 | PGK 390 | 31% | +29% | |
| 35–44 | PGK 620 | 24% | +41% | |
| 45–54 | PGK 510 | 15% | +22% | |
| 55–64 | PGK 340 | 6% | -5% | |
| 65+ | PGK 210 | 2% | -12% |
All figures in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). YoY = Year-over-year change vs. PNG Online Casino Review Survey 2024. Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
The 35–44 age bracket records the highest average monthly spend at PGK 620, a 41% year-over-year increase — the steepest growth of any cohort. This group also reports the highest rate of multi-casino account holding (average 4.1 accounts). The 18–24 cohort, while the lowest spenders in absolute terms, shows rapid growth and strong mobile adoption, suggesting a significant long-term shift in the player base composition.
Most Popular Game Types
Pokies remain overwhelmingly dominant, representing 63% of primary game choice — consistent with cultural preferences observed across Pacific and Australian gambling markets. Live dealer games have grown from 9% in 2024 to 14% in 2026, driven by improved mobile internet speeds and the proliferation of localised live dealer studios. Crash games (Aviator, JetX) are emerging rapidly among younger players aged 18–29, recording 11% preference in that demographic despite a lower overall share. Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
What Players Value Most: Payout Speed vs Bonus Size vs Game Variety
Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847). Percentages represent first-choice ranking only.
Payout speed is the runaway priority for PNG players — more than half (52%) place it above all else. This reflects a broader trend across Pacific markets where trust in casino solvency and withdrawal reliability has been damaged by high-profile incidents with unlicensed operators in 2024–2026. Bonus size, while heavily marketed by operators, ranks only third. This suggests PNG players are increasingly sophisticated and sceptical of headline bonus figures that come with restrictive wagering requirements.
Trust Factors: What Makes Players Choose a Casino
Multiple selections permitted. % = share of respondents who selected each factor. Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
Device Usage: Mobile vs Desktop by Age
Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
The generational divide in device preference is stark. Players under 35 overwhelmingly prefer smartphones, driven by PNG's mobile-first internet infrastructure where 4G smartphone connections often precede fixed broadband access in regional areas. Desktop usage climbs significantly among the 45+ cohort, with the 65+ group showing majority desktop preference (61%) — suggesting that older players retain traditional computing habits and may benefit from larger screen displays for casino games. Tablet usage remains consistently low across all age groups, hovering around 6–11%.
Responsible Gambling Awareness Stats
Key Observations on RG Awareness
While awareness of responsible gambling (RG) tools is high at 88%, there remains a significant gap between awareness and active utilisation — only 29% have used these tools. This "knowledge-action gap" is consistent with research findings from Australian and New Zealand gambling authorities and suggests that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient without friction-reducing design changes at the casino platform level.
The finding that 12% of respondents felt their gambling was "out of control" at some point in the past 12 months warrants attention from operators, regulators, and public health bodies. This figure aligns with regional prevalence estimates but underscores the importance of accessible, stigma-free support pathways.
Notably, 71% of players support compulsory prominent display of RG information — indicating player appetite for stronger regulatory requirements rather than voluntary compliance. PNG Online Casino Review advocates for all reviewed casinos to meet minimum RG standards as part of our editorial criteria. Source: PNG Online Casino Review Punter Survey, March 2026 (n=1,847).
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out. Professional help is confidential, free, and effective.
PNG Gambling Support Helpline: 1800 611
Australia National Helpline: 1800 858 858 (Gambling Help Online)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
You can also visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for 24/7 online chat support, self-assessment tools, and a directory of local counselling services.
📞 Call 1800 611 NowSurvey At a Glance
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