Minister Responsible for National Gaming Control Board, Manasseh Makiba has challenged the Board and Management of NGCB to collect annual gaming revenue of K2 billion starting next year.
The Minister was pleased with the Board’s performance and achievements for the past 27 years, which he said is in line with the Government’s ‘Take Back PNG’ and that NGCB, must align with Government policy to take back gaming industry.
“The Board and Management must reach a target of K2 billion in revenue in 2023 and onwards and meet the Government’s aim for the country to become a K200 billion economy in the next 10 years.
“I am pleased to know that the NGCB generates over K55 million monthly of which 55 percent goes to Government in the form of tax through IRC.
“I want the Board to keep this momentum but must set target to increase the revenue and assist the Government on the development phases of our country to be smart, wise, fair, healthy and a happy society by 2050.”
Meantime, he said to work with the Board and Management to create Investment and Dividend Trust Funds and certain percentage from the Community Benefit Fund 7 percent levy received monthly be allocated to these two new Trust Funds.
The Minister was adamant that the Community Benefit Trust Fund ‘Give Back Program’ be revisited and changes be made to ensure funds are diverted to strategic development as well as consider investing into businesses as part of long term growth, development and sustainability of the Board.