Panama regulates gambling through the Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ) under the Ministry of Finance, which controls, licenses and oversees the market.
The basis is Decree-Law No. 2 of February 10, 1998, which created the regulator and enshrined its powers, including the establishment of rules for games "by electronic means" and distance bets.
In the 2000s, the country issued an online mode (e-gaming), and later adopted updates, including Resolution No. 25 (2022), clarifying the requirements for remote operators.
Licensing covers land-based casinos and online operations; applicants are subject to financial, technical and compliance requirements (including AML/KYC), and JCJ conducts audits and enforces sanctions for violations.
This design supports transparency, player protection, and preserves Panama's attractiveness as a regional iGaming jurisdiction.
How the gambling industry of Panama was formed: the state lottery (1914), the Presidente Remón racetrack (1956), the reforms and privatization of 1998, the formation of the JCJ regulator and the launch of online licensing since 2002.
Learn more →Which set Decreto Ley Nº 2 from 10. 02. 1998: restructured Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ), consolidated its powers to control and license gambling, introduced basic definitions and supervision procedures, becoming the foundation of the modern model of gambling regulation in Panama.
Learn more →Who is JCJ and what does it do: powers to control, license and supervise gambling, legal framework (Decreto Ley Nº 2/1998), online regulation since 2002, structure under MEF and evolution of bylaws.
Learn more →In Panama, gambling is legal and regulated by the state. Casinos, bookmakers and lotteries operate under Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ) and Lotería Nacional licenses, while online operators operate under separate permits issued since 2002.
Learn more →In Panama, distance gambling is legal with a Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ) license. Base - Decreto Ley Nº 2 (1998) and the rules of distance games, approved by the JCJ Plenum in 2002 and updated in 2020.
Learn more →How gambling operators and players are taxed in Panama: 10% of gross gaming income (GGR) in the online segment, "revenue share" for land casinos, selective collection of 5.5% (2015) for cash payments to players and 5% for state lottery prizes. References to JCJ/MEF and current resolutions.
Learn more →Why Panama is considered an offshore hub for online gambling operators: easy registration, JCJ licenses, territorial taxation, privacy and access to banking infrastructure.
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