Panama casinos are legal and regulated. Full casinos, slot halls, sports betting and online gambling are all licensed by the Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ), and you must be 18 to play. A new law published in May 2026 adds facial recognition in casinos, biometric checks online and stronger powers to block unlicensed sites.
| Panama at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal with a JCJ licence |
| Regulator | Junta de Control de Juegos, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance |
| Minimum age | 18 for casinos and online betting |
| Land-based venues | Full casinos and Type A slot halls |
| Online gambling | Licensed by the JCJ; 10% tax on gross gaming revenue |
| Last checked | November 2026 |
Is Gambling Legal in Panama?
Yes. Gambling in Panama is a regulated industry overseen by the Junta de Control de Juegos, which sits under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The JCJ licenses casinos, slot halls, sportsbooks and online operators, sets their obligations and can suspend or revoke licences. Operators also have anti-money laundering duties under Law 23 of 2015.
The country has a long history apart from gambling: it declared independence from Spain in 1821, became part of Gran Colombia and separated from Colombia in 1903. Today tourism accounts for up to about a tenth of the economy, and the government treats casinos as part of its pitch to visitors. For other countries in the region, see our Central America casinos guide.
Law 527: The 2026 Responsible Gambling Law
Panama’s National Assembly approved a new gambling law in March 2026, and Law 527 was published in the Gaceta Oficial on May 28, 2026. The main changes:
- Player tools: casinos, Type A slot halls and online operators must offer voluntary time and spending limits and send alerts when play patterns look risky.
- Identity checks: online platforms must use biometric identity and age verification, and full casinos and Type A halls must add facial recognition to their cameras to spot people excluded by the JCJ.
- Unlicensed sites: the JCJ can order the blocking of websites, apps and domains operating without a licence, and internet providers must comply. Fines for breaches can reach one million balboas.
- Enforcement: the JCJ must audit casinos, platforms and betting operators every year. Sanctions on operators run from 25,000 to 100,000 balboas, can double for repeat breaches and can lead to suspension or loss of a licence.
- Treatment funding: 0.5% of what regulated operators pay to the national treasury each year goes to a fund for the Institute of Mental Health.
The government has six months from publication to issue the detailed regulations, so some of these rules will come into force in stages.
Casinos in Panama
Land-based gambling in Panama takes two main forms: full casinos, which offer slots plus table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker, and Type A slot halls, which focus on gaming machines.
In May 2026 the JCJ announced plans to scrap the 5.5% tax on table game and betting winnings that has applied since 2015, as part of an effort to attract more tourists. No start date was given in the announcement, so ask the casino whether winnings are taxed before you play.
Online Gambling and Sports Betting
Online casinos and sportsbooks can be licensed in Panama. JCJ licensing for online gaming rests on Resolution 25 of 2022, and licensed online operators pay a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue. Under Law 527, they now face the same responsible gambling duties as land-based casinos, and the JCJ has new powers to block sites without a licence.
If you play online from Panama, use a site licensed by the JCJ. US readers looking for information on offshore sites can read our online casino reviews.
Panama Casinos FAQ
Is gambling legal in Panama?
Yes. Casinos, slot halls, sports betting and online gambling are legal when licensed by the Junta de Control de Juegos.
What is the gambling age in Panama?
18, for both casinos and online betting.
Who regulates gambling in Panama?
The Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ), part of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
What changed with Law 527?
Published on May 28, 2026, it requires player limits and risk alerts, biometric checks online, facial recognition at casinos and slot halls, annual audits and blocking of unlicensed sites.
Gamble responsibly. If you are in the US and gambling is causing problems, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.