Panama exceeded 1.6 billion in gross wagers in the semester
The gambling market in Panama continued its expansion during the first half of 2026, with gross wagers from gaming operators totaling $1,607.8 million between January and June, an increase of 16.5 percent compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census. The statistics include wagers placed at racetracks, bingo halls, gaming tables, Type A slot machines, sports betting parlors, online gaming, and instant games, in addition to the gross sales of the National Charity Lottery.
The main driver of growth was once again the online segment, with internet wagers totaling $379.7 million in the semester, a 59.8 percent increase from the $237.6 million in the same period of 2025. This led the digital channel to represent nearly 24 percent of the total market and consolidate its position as the most dynamic. Type A slot machines continued to concentrate the largest volume, with $1,113.5 million in gross wagers, almost 70 percent of the market and a year-on-year growth of 7 percent. Gaming tables reached $87.4 million, with an 18.6 percent increase, while sports betting parlors added $9.1 million, practically in line with the previous year. Bingo halls totaled $3.3 million and instant games $1.3 million. In contrast, gross sales of the National Charity Lottery decreased to $400.7 million, 4.1 percent less than the $417.7 million of last year, continuing the negative trend of this traditional segment.
On a monthly basis, gross wagers remained above $240 million throughout the semester, starting at $259.3 million in January, fluctuating between $242.6 and $282.8 million in subsequent months, and closing June at $279 million, with a year-on-year growth of 18 percent in that month. As for net wagers, calculated by deducting prizes paid, the total market reached $194.8 million in the semester, 7.3 percent more than the $181.5 million of the previous year.
Also in net figures, the online segment was among the fastest-growing, with $22.1 million, 40.4 percent more than in the first half of 2025, while Type A machines generated $150 million, with a 3.5 percent increase, and gaming tables $16 million, with a 17.2 percent increase. Net sales of the National Charity Lottery reached $67.6 million, compared to $76.1 million in the same period of 2025, an 11.2 percent decrease. According to the official list of operations, Panama has 22 full casinos, 31 slot machine venues, 45 sports betting parlors, three bingo halls, and one racetrack. In addition to Type A machines, the country also has Type C machines, which operate in smaller establishments and allow a single play per coin or wager.
Tags: National Institute of Statistics and Census, gross gaming revenue in Panama, National Charity Lottery, Class A slot machines