Plans to build Papua New Guinea's first casino triggered concerns over social problems

The plan to build Papua New Guinea's first casino in Port Moresby has triggered criticism from transparency advocates and experts who said the country's industrial regulator has damaged its independence with the agreement and fear it can worsen social problems.

The agreement to build a US $ 43 million venue was signed on May 28 by Paga Hill Development Corporation and the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), drawing judgment directly from Transparency International.온라인카지노

"They [NGCB] are referees responsible for applying game rules; they should not run as players in the field," said Transparency International PNG Peter Aitsi Chair Board.

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"Global experience with casinos suggests an increase in the possibility of money laundering and an undue political influence where regulators are weak or compromised," he added.

George Hallit, Head of Paga Hill's operation, defended the plan, said the casino would create thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. He also argued that the casino, which would include hotels, shopping centers, and theaters, would attract tourists, on the grounds that only one third of the visit to PNG related to tourism.

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"The growing Chinese middle class is expected to be taken into account a quarter of all international tourism in 2030. Eighty percent international tourists first visit the casino, and 90% of visitors to the United States visit Las Vegas," he said.

But Paul Barker, Executive Director of the Independent Thinktank The Institute of National Affairs, said that Papua New Guinea did not have the welfare or legal infrastructure to deal with problems that often accompanied gambling.

The introduction of slot machines in PNG already has a social impact that is "sufficient" with many of which becomes "addicted and connects their limited income with the expectations of many wins, but instead left themselves in increasing debt and often failed to feed their facilities, breaking. , causing people to lose their jobs and livelihoods, "he said.

"The casino took it to a higher level. Our big neighbors, Australia, have some of the toughest rules and capacity to manage their gambling industry, and they also have strong education and social welfare system, even though Australia has the worst gambling addiction level in the world, with Damaging social, family and economic consequences.

"PNG certainly does not have laws, penalties, governance, education or welfare capacity owned by Australia, and already has serious legal and order problems. It should definitely not want to worsen the situation and have a large casino will certainly worsen the situation.안전카지노사이트

"PNG also has a serious problem, where the supervisory body, NGCB, also strives to become an investor in a playing business, including the proposed casino. This is completely inappropriate."

He also notes that casinos are often used for money laundering and argue that given the extensive charges of governance and corruption in Papua New Guinea there is "it is impossible that the country can take the extra burden to allow casino activities."

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The Catholic Church, a strong voice in the Christian country most, also opposed the casino plan.