Betting shops to remain shut

THE National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) says betting shops in Port Moresby, Lae and other areas will remain closed for today’s Melbourne Cup.
However, betting shops in East New Britain, West New Britain, East Sepik, West Sepik and Northern have been exempted and will operate as normal. NGCB chief executive Imelda Agon said in a statement on Friday that their request to allow bookmakers to operate today had been turned down by the national pandemic controller.
“All bookmaking sites within Papua New Guinea with exception to bookmakers in East New Britain, West New Britain, East Sepik, West Sepik and Oro, that Tuesday (Nov 3) will be a non-trading day, as our request to have the Melbourne Cup event has been turned down by the Office of the Controller, National Pandemic Control Centre,” she said.
“All bookmakers must be closed on Tuesday in compliance with measure No. 9 from the controller’s office. All winning tickets will be paid out on Wednesday (Nov 4) when the bookmakers open for normal trading.
“As the nation’s gaming regulator, we strongly advise all bookmaker sites to adhere to NGCB’s infectious disease prevention policy (IDPP) and diligently implement other measures imposed by the controller under the National Pandemic Act.”
NGCB said it had allowed bookmakers to operate and accept bets for the Melbourne Cup over the weekend.