Sports betting is legal and regulated in Samoa under the Gaming Control Act 2017, which replaced previous gambling legislation. The country's Gambling Control Authority was established to regulate all gambling activities in Samoa and reduce any adverse social impacts of gambling (1). Samoa has specific licenses for different types of gambling activities, including casinos, lotteries, and sports betting, each with their own set of rules and permit requirements.
The Gaming Control Act 2017 sets out comprehensive objectives for gambling regulation in Samoa, emphasizing the need to control the growth of gaming and gambling while preventing and minimizing harm. The legislation authorizes some types of gaming and gambling under strict regulatory arrangements (2). The Gambling Control Authority serves as the primary regulatory body overseeing compliance with licensing requirements and operational standards for all gambling activities, including sports betting operations.
"The objectives of this Act are to control the growth of gaming and gambling; prevent and minimise the harm caused by gaming and gambling, including problem gambling."
While sports betting is legally permitted under proper licensing, Samoa maintains strict age restrictions and consumer protection measures. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to participate in gambling activities, and operators are required to enforce strict age verification measures to prevent underage gambling (1). The regulatory framework ensures that all licensed sports betting operations comply with responsible gambling practices and maintain appropriate safeguards to protect vulnerable players while generating revenue for the government through licensing fees and taxation (2).
Source:
https://gca.gov.ws/
https://paclii.austlii.edu.au/ws/legis/consol_act_2020/gca2017156.pdf
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
