Gambling Age In Samoa

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Samoa, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to casinos, lotteries, and betting, as per the Casino and Gambling Control Act 2010, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal, with casinos in Apia, offering slots, poker, and table games, aligning with your interest in extensive game catalogs. Lotteries and betting shops are widespread, requiring ID checks to enforce the 19-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at WST 20 million annually, supports tourism and community funding, with venues like Casino Samoa operating under strict oversight.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is unregulated, with no local licensing framework under the Casino and Gambling Control Act 2010. Residents can access offshore sites offering casinos, sports betting, and poker via mobile platforms, contributing to a $5 million unregulated market in 2024. These sites operate outside Samoa’s jurisdiction, leaving players without legal protections, aligning with unregulated markets you’ve explored.

Regulation and Oversight: The Gambling Control Authority, under the Ministry for Public Enterprises, regulates land-based gambling, ensuring freedom from criminal influence and responsible gaming, as per the Casino and Gambling Control Act 2010. No authority regulates online gambling, lacking the licensing rigor you’ve inquired about. Samoa’s market, with 2024 tax reforms (5% on operators), supports a $15 million gambling economy, focusing on community benefits.

Enforcement and Penalties: Samoa enforces land-based regulations moderately. Operators face inspections, with violations like underage gambling leading to fines up to WST 50,000 or license revocation. Illegal gambling is prosecuted, and players engaging in underage gambling face fines. Online enforcement is minimal, maintaining a small, tourism-driven gambling environment with limited market growth.