Gambling regulation in Panama explained: licences, regulator and what changes next
Regulation
The JCJ licenses online casino, betting and poker operators, including companies that serve players abroad.
The regulator and its scope
The Junta de Control de Juegos administers the gaming law in Panama. This body grants licences for online casino, betting and poker operations. The scope extends to companies that serve players located outside the country. The table below outlines the status of specific products under this framework. Operators and suppliers must align their offerings with the categories the JCJ recognises. This structure defines the boundary between licensed activities and those reserved for other entities.
| Product | Status |
|---|---|
| Online casino | licensed |
| Sports betting | licensed |
| Online poker | licensed |
| Lottery | a state monopoly |
Reserved activities and exclusions
The national lottery remains under the Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia. This entity operates separately from the JCJ’s licensing regime. Activities outside the JCJ’s remit are not subject to its specific online licences. Suppliers targeting the lottery sector must engage with the Lotería Nacional directly. The distinction ensures that lottery operations follow a different regulatory path than casino, betting and poker. Readers should verify which body governs their specific product line.
Pending legislative changes
A bill approved by the National Assembly in March awaits the president's signature. This legislation would ban most gambling advertising and add a levy. The key figures show the proposed financial adjustment. Operators should monitor the status of this bill for compliance planning. The change affects advertising practices and tax obligations for licensed entities. Until the president signs the bill, the current rules remain in force. The regulation tracker provides updates on this legislative development.
Questions
Who regulates online gambling in Panama?
The Junta de Control de Juegos administers the gaming law. It licenses online casino, betting and poker operators. This includes companies serving players abroad.
Is the national lottery regulated by the JCJ?
No. The national lottery remains with the Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia. It operates outside the JCJ’s licensing regime for online casino, betting and poker.
What changes are pending in Panama's gambling law?
A bill approved by the National Assembly in March awaits the president's signature. It would ban most gambling advertising and add a levy. The current rules apply until the bill is signed.
Every figure on this page is computed by code from standard industry formulas and the facts of our regulation tracker, each checked a second way. See the methodology.