Bill against gambling addiction passes debate
The National Assembly is advancing the Bill 403, which proposes strict control over minors' access, advertising restrictions, and a new oversight scheme. The regulation will require online platforms to implement biometric verification and will put operators' earnings under the scrutiny of the Comptroller's Office.
The regulatory framework for gambling in Panama is heading towards a profound transformation. The Labor, Health, and Social Development Commission of the National Assembly approved Bill 403 in its first debate, an initiative that seeks to establish drastic measures for the prevention, control, and treatment of gambling addiction in the country.
Driven by deputies Raúl Pineda and Crispiano Adames, the proposal responds to growing concern about minors' access to digital platforms and the impact of compulsive gambling on family finances.
Biometrics and oversight: The technical pillars
The bill introduces technical and administrative requirements that will increase compliance costs for operators:
- Identity verification: Online betting platforms will be required to implement biometric verification mechanisms to ensure that no one under 18 years of age or self-excluded person can access the system.
- Income audit: In an unusual move for the sector, it is proposed that the Comptroller General of the Republic be the entity responsible for directly auditing the earnings of physical casinos and online betting houses.
- Guaranteed treatment: The law foresees the creation of specific funds to ensure that people diagnosed with gambling addiction receive free and specialized treatment.
Advertising restriction and education
The initiative also aims to reduce the population's exposure to gambling incentives. The text contemplates restricting gambling advertising and establishes an absolute prohibition on minors entering physical gambling centers.
Likewise, the Ministry of Education is delegated the responsibility to implement mandatory educational sessions about the risks of compulsive gambling, addressing the problem from a public health and social responsibility perspective.
Next step: The second debate
For deputy Betserai Richards, a member of the Commission, the bill has a strong social responsibility component that seeks to correct the "lack of controls" that has prevailed until now. After receiving the green light in this first stage, the text is preparing for the second debate in the Assembly Plenary, where the final details of a law that promises to change the rules of the game for operators in Panama will be defined.
Tags: Panamá, responsible gaming Panama, gambling addiction control Panama, online betting Panama