Online gambling market in Panama

Panama is one of the most consolidated online gambling markets in Latin America, with a specific legal framework in force since the late 1990s. The Junta de Control de Juegos grants licences to operate sports betting and online casino, and the country also serves as a hub for international licences for operators serving other markets. The system combines state oversight with an active and diversified private industry.

Regulation

Regulatory body

The Junta de Control de Juegos, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is the authority responsible for granting licences, supervising operators and overseeing regulatory compliance for gambling in Panama, including its online mode. This body assesses the technical, financial and suitability requirements of applicants before granting a licence, and holds sanctioning powers over operators who fail to meet the established conditions. Official source

Current law

The main legal framework rests on Law 2 of 1998, which creates the Junta de Control de Juegos and regulates games of chance, including sports betting and online gambling, along with its subsequent implementing decrees. This legislation sets out the types of licence available, the requirements for national and international operators, and periodic reporting obligations to the authority. Official source

Market status

The Panamanian online gambling market is regulated and active, with local and international operators obtaining licences to offer their products both within the country and, in some cases, for external markets under the umbrella of the Panamanian licence. Panama has established itself as one of the reference jurisdictions in the region for granting digital gambling licences, with an industry established for more than two decades.

Taxation

Online gambling operators in Panama are subject to taxes on revenue generated by the activity, in addition to periodic licence fees that must be renewed in accordance with the regulations of the Junta de Control de Juegos. The tax structure also includes corporate income tax applicable to companies operating in Panamanian territory, together with specific contributions from the gambling sector. Official source

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