Casinos in Panama

Panama lists 28 gaming venues in the iGaming.bet B2B directory, across 7 cities. Cities with the highest concentration of venues: Panama City (18), Colón (3), David (2), Penonomé (2), Arraiján (1).

Among the most popular casinos in Panama are: Veneto Casino - Wyndham Grand Hotel (Panama City), Ocean Sun Casino - JW Marriott Panamá (Panama City), Fantastic Casino La Chorrera (La Chorrera), Fantastic Casino 5 de Mayo (Panama City), Fiesta Casino - Royal Decameron Playa Blanca (Farallón), Fantastic Casino Vista Alegre (Arraiján), Fantastic Casino Penonomé (Penonomé), Crown Casino Sheraton - San Francisco (Panama City), Royal Casino - Marriott Panamá (Panama City), Crown Casino Continental (Panama City).

Cities

All 28 venues in Panama

History of casinos in Panama

Panama has one of Central America and the Caribbean longest gaming traditions, with the first formal casinos operating since the 1940s in Panama City major hotels. The interoceanic canal and Panama condition as an international trade hub attracted from the outset a clientele of business travelers and merchant marines from around the world, creating a natural demand for high-level hotel gaming. The model of casinos linked to five-star hotels and international resorts was established early in Panama and remains the central axis of the country gaming industry.

Regulation: the Gaming Control Board

In Panama, gaming is regulated by the Gaming Control Board (JCJ), under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The JCJ was created by Cabinet Decree 2 of 2008, which modernized the country gaming regulatory framework establishing new license categories, minimum capital requirements for operators and responsible gaming standards. Casino licenses in Panama are divided into three main categories: hotel casino licenses (minimum four-star category), independent gaming hall licenses and ship casino licenses for cruise routes. Online gaming in Panama operates under Law 48 of 2012, which Panama was one of the first Latin American countries to approve.

Panama main casinos

Panama City concentrates the vast majority of the country casinos, with the luxury hotel corridor of Punta Pacífica, Coco del Mar, Marbella and Casco Viejo as the highest high-level gaming density areas. Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino in Panama City is the country highest-level casino resort, with 24-hour gaming floor, active poker room and one of Central America most complete sportsbooks. Casino Veneto Hotel & Casino in the Banking Area is the capital oldest continuously operating casino and one of the most traditional in the region. International chain hotels in Panama, Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Hard Rock, Trump and Wyndham, each have their integrated casino, making Panama the Central American country with the highest concentration of five-star hotel casinos.

Gaming in the interior: Colón, David and cruise routes

Outside Panama City, Colón has in its Free Zone the country second gaming hub, while David in Chiriquí province is the most active gaming market in the interior. Cruise routes transiting the Panama Canal have onboard casinos operating under Panamanian license during days at sea, making Panama one of the world main registers for maritime gaming. Gaming tourism in Panama is composed mainly of Latin American business travelers and transit tourism from Tocumen International Airport hub, Central America largest airport and the region highest-connectivity.

FAQ

Are there casinos in Panama?

Yes, Panama has more than 34 active casinos distributed mainly in Panama City, with establishments in major hotels in Punta Pacífica, Marbella, the Banking Area and Casco Viejo. International chain hotels including Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Hard Rock and Trump each have their integrated casino, making Panama the Central American country with the highest concentration of five-star hotel casinos.

Are there casinos in Panama City Panama?

Yes, Panama City is home to most of Panama casinos, concentrated in the luxury hotel corridor of Punta Pacífica, Marbella and the Banking Area. The Sortis Hotel Spa & Casino and Casino Veneto are the most recognized standalone casino establishments, while every major international chain hotel in the financial district has its own integrated casino floor.

Does Panama have casinos?

Yes, Panama has a well-established casino industry regulated by the Gaming Control Board (JCJ) under Cabinet Decree 2 of 2008. With more than 34 active establishments, Panama City is one of the densest casino markets in Latin America, driven by its position as a major business hub, its international airport connections and its role as a transit point between North and South America.

What is the minimum gambling age in Panama?

The minimum age to enter and play at Panama casinos is 18 years. A valid passport or identity document is required at all gaming establishments. Panama also has a legal online gaming framework under Law 48 of 2012, one of the first in Latin America to regulate digital gaming.

Do cruise ships in Panama Canal have casinos?

Yes, cruise ships and some passenger vessels transiting the Panama Canal have onboard casinos operating under Panamanian license during days at sea. Panama is one of the world main maritime gaming registers, giving the country gaming industry a unique international dimension beyond its land-based establishments.

Latest casino news in Panama

Cibelae and the Panama Lottery reviewed their technical agenda

Rodrigo Cigliutti and Isidro Carbonell reviewed in Panama City the plan for the committees working on responsible gaming, security, and fraud prevention.

Panama's lottery boosts digitalization against illegal gambling

The LNB is preparing to modernize ticket sales and logistics as it seeks to regain ground against the illicit market.

Panama exceeded 1.6 billion in gross wagers in the semester

The gambling market grew by 16.5% year-on-year between January and June, with the online channel being the most dynamic segment.

Panama to host the Ibero-American Gaming Summit in 2027

The 11th edition will be held on May 4th and 5th in Panama City, with the Gaming Control Board as the institutional host.

Panama Lottery trains inspectors to combat illegal sales

More than 50 officials participated in the first session, and the institution aims to add at least another 50 nationwide.

Panama seeks to penalize the clandestine sale of lottery tickets

A bill proposes to criminalize the illegal sale of lottery tickets and chances, which, according to official figures, costs up to 200 million annually.

Panama's gross betting exceeds 1.328 billion by May

The market grew 16.2 percent year-on-year, driven by the online sector, which rose 57 percent, while the lottery segment saw a slight decline.

Altenar brings its recipe for scaling sportsbooks to SAGSE Panama

The sports betting software provider will participate in SAGSE Central America & Caribbean 2026 with a clear message: retention and tailored products take precedence over initial marketing.

Panama strengthens responsible gambling with biometrics, blocks, and limits

Panama boosts responsible gambling with biometrics, blocks illegal operators, and sets limits. Law 527 enhances player protection.

Panama court voids electronic lottery operating contract

Panama court voids electronic lottery contract. Lotto & Pega 3 impacted. Supreme Court nullifies Addendum No. 5 with Scientific LLC.