Online Gambling Panama - JCJ Licenses

Online gambling: allowed, but with local licenses (Panama)

Legal status

Online gambling in Panama is allowed subject to a local license from Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ), a regulator under the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The JCJ authority is set by the base Decreto Ley Nº 2 of 10. 02. 1998 (Gaceta Oficial Nº 23 484 от 17. 02. 1998).

A key industry act for distance games is Resolución Nº 65 from 25. 10. 2002 JCJ Plenum (Remote Games Regulations), which is directly referenced by subsequent updates and clarifications, including Resolución Nº 11 of 06. 03. 2020.

What exactly is legally online

Under the JCJ license, remote (via communication networks/the Internet) games of the case are allowed: casino games (RNG/tables), sports betting, bingo/keno, etc. Specific formats and technical requirements are disclosed in the JCJ regulations and its updates.

Who issues licenses and on what basis

Regulator: Secretaría Ejecutiva de la JCJ (MEF). The official page indicates the norms and a link to the regulation of distance games (Resolución Nº 65).

Legal framework: Decreto Ley Nº 2 (1998) - "skeleton" of the powers of the JCJ + by-law resolutions of the JCJ Plenum for specific verticals.

Basic operator requirements (from JCJ regulatory practice)

Licensing and control: application to JCJ, verification of beneficiaries and sources of funds, technical certification of the platform, mandatory reporting for JCJ/MEF.

Compliance: AML/KYC procedures, transaction control, audit, storage of transaction logs and JCJ access to data in accordance with the regulations.

Specifications: operation through electronic/telecom systems in accordance with the requirements of JCJ (specifics - in the text Resolución Nº 65 and its modifications).

💡 Important: infrastructure details (for example, server placement) should be checked against the current text of the JCJ regulations/updates. Open official materials record the requirements for platforms and control, but operational nuances must be confirmed according to the current version.

Procedures and Supervision

JCJ may issue/suspend/revoke permits, conduct inspections, impose sanctions and update rules through resolutions of the Plenary. Admin procedures and their legal basis are regularly reflected in JCJ/MEF documents.

Taxes and payment flows (in general terms)

For distance games, licensing fees and fiscal payments are used, as well as reporting to JCJ/MEF. Specific rates and calculation of the base depend on the type of permission and conditions in resolutions/agreements; checked against current JCJ publications.

Why Panama is popular with iGaming companies

The early regulation of online gaming (since 2002) has created a predictable legal environment.

A single regulator with clear powers (Decreto Ley Nº 2).

Updated rules (e.g. 2020 resolution) to adapt technology requirements.

FAQ: Short Answers

Are online casinos/bookmakers legal in Panama?

Yes, if you have a JCJ license and follow the regulations for distance games.

What documents to study first?

Decreto Ley Nº 2 (1998) and Resolución Nº 65 (2002), with subsequent revisions (e.g. Resolución Nº 11/2020).

Where to see procedures and contact details?

On the official page of Secretaría Ejecutiva de la JCJ (MEF).

The Panama model is essentially simple: online games are allowed, but only in a licensed JCJ format, with strict requirements for compliance, reporting and technical control. Legal "axis" - Decreto Ley Nº 2 (1998) + regulation of distance games (Resolución Nº 65/2002) and its updates (including 2020), which provides predictable but demanding jurisdiction for iGaming operators.