Panama gaming: gross bets to exceed $500M in 2026
The beginning of 2026 has brought a wave of prosperity for the gaming industry in Panama. According to records from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the gross betting volume during the first two months reached 501.9 million dollars, representing a solid increase of 15.6 percent compared to the 434.4 million recorded during the same period last year. This growth consolidates the positive trend in the sector, which includes everything from horse racing and bingo halls to the growing digital platforms and the traditional National Charity Lottery.
The online channel as a driver of Panamanian growth
Undoubtedly, the undisputed star of the beginning of the year has been the digital segment. Online bets experienced a qualitative leap, totaling 107.5 million dollars between January and February, a figure that represents a year-on-year increase of 57.7 percent. This dynamism positions the online channel as the central axis of the modernization of the Panamanian market, although Type A slot machines still hold the largest market share with 359.3 million dollars, equivalent to more than 70 percent of the total sector volume after growing by 7.5 percent.
In other verticals, performance was mostly favorable. Sports betting halls recorded a slight increase of 4 percent, reaching 2.8 million dollars, while live gaming tables, notably blackjack and roulette, contributed 26.5 million to the gross total. Bingo halls maintained their presence with one million dollars collected. In contrast, the gross lottery experienced a downward adjustment of 5.6 percent, standing at 127.7 million dollars, despite showing notable monthly stability between January and February.
Evolution of net bets and installed capacity
Analyzing net bets, the remainder after deducting prizes paid to players, the first two months of 2026 closed with 63.4 million dollars, 7 percent more than in 2025. Again, the digital environment led the progression with a 31.4 percent increase in its net margin, reaching 6 million dollars. Type A machines also contributed to this positive trend with 49.9 million net dollars, 5.1 percent above the previous year. In the case of the lottery, net sales totaled 19.8 million dollars, a figure lower than the 29.4 million recorded in the comparable two-month period of 2025.
Panama's entertainment infrastructure continues to be one of the most diversified in the region. Currently, the country offers an official range that includes 22 full casinos, 31 slot machine halls, 45 sports betting centers, three bingo halls, and one racetrack. This network is complemented by a wide distribution of Type C machines in smaller establishments, ensuring capillary coverage of entertainment activities throughout the national territory.
Tags: Panama, betting handle Panama, Panama betting 2026