Lottery tickets are legal to purchase in Tonga under the Raffles and Lotteries Act, which permits small-scale lotteries and raffles primarily for charitable purposes. Every person desiring to hold a raffle or lottery must apply to the Minister of Police for a license, providing details about the event's description and charitable purpose. The legal framework restricts lottery activities to community fundraising and charitable events, with strict government oversight through the licensing process (1).
Gambling in Tonga is generally prohibited under existing law, with the government maintaining a conservative stance reflecting the country's cultural and religious values. Most commercial forms of gambling, including casinos and sports betting, remain illegal. However, the government announced plans in 2025 to introduce regulations banning the sale of Lotto tickets to individuals under 18 years old, introducing new fines for retailers who violate this rule (2).
"The government announces plans to ban the sale of Lotto tickets to individuals under 18 years old, introducing new fines for retailers who violate this rule."
The Ministry of Justice oversees enforcement of gambling prohibitions, though no formal regulatory authority exists for licensed gambling operations. While Act 25 of 1999 introduced provisions for potential gambling licensing, no actual mechanism has been established. Lotteries remain limited to charitable purposes under ministerial license, with the government prioritizing community wellbeing over commercial gambling expansion. Online gambling is not technically prohibited but lacks legal domestic platforms (2).
Source:
https://ago.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1919/1919-0005/RafflesandLotteriesAct_2.pdf
https://legalpilot.com/country/tonga/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
