JCJ Online Licenses (Panama)

Online gambling in Panama: licensing features

Legal basis: what is legal and what is supported by the regime

Online gaming in Panama is allowed with a local license from Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ) - a regulator under the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The base frame is defined by Decreto Ley Nº 2 of 10. 02. 1998 (Gaceta Oficial Nº 23,484), which restructured JCJ, empowered it to control, license and oversee "chance games and betting activities."

A special mode for distance games was introduced Resolución Nº 65 from 25. 10. 2002 JCJ Plenum; in Resolución Nº 11 from 06. 03. 2020 this mode is confirmed and updated (regulation "Juegos de Suerte y Azar a través de Internet"), which is enshrined in the official PDF of MEF and Gatsete.

Who issues a license and where to watch the rules

The authorized body is the Secretaría Ejecutiva de la JCJ (MEF). The official page indicates the mandate, contacts and links to the legal framework; new and changed norms are published in Gazeta Official and on the MEF website.

What the license covers (activities)

The JCJ Distance Gaming Regulations apply to the operation of games online via electronic/telecom systems: casino games (RNG/tables), bingo/keno, bets and other formats directly listed in the resolutions and their annexes. Resolución Nº 11/2020 refers to Resolución Nº 65/2002 as the basis of the current order. The specific "list of permitted" and technical requirements should be checked with the current version of the 2020 resolution.

License applicant requirements block

1) Corporate and legal suitability

The operator submits an application to JCJ with a set of constituent and financial documents, disclosure of beneficiaries and sources of funds. The basis is the authority of the JCJ to regulate/supervise, enshrined in Decreto Ley Nº 2/1998.

2) Platform Technical Compliance

The Regulation for Online Operations establishes a framework for operation through electronic and telecom systems, including certification/control and JCJ access to data - as reflected in Resolución Nº 11/2020.

3) AML/KYC and liability

The Panama regime implies anti-money laundering procedures and player identification (KYC), as well as responsible play tools (for example, JCJ-supported auto-exclusion).

4) Reporting and fiscalization

The 2020 regulations describe the reporting responsibilities of distance game operators to JCJ and MEF (monthly reporting on key metrics of activity and finance). Confirmation - text Resolución Nº 11/2020 and publications on the evolution of the regime in 2020-2021.

Procedure in practice: "from point A to point B"

1. Registration of a legal entity in Panama (corporate compliance).

2. Application to JCJ: Company, Beneficiary, Business Plan and Platform Dossier.

3. Conformity assessment (fit-and-proper, technical audit, AML procedures).

4. Decision of the JCJ Plenum and publication of the act in Gatseta if necessary.

5. Supervised operation: monthly reporting, inspections, updates according to JCJ resolutions.

The mechanics are established by the powers of the JCJ Plenum to "dictate, modify and update" the regulations for games confirmed in official acts 2020-2022.

Financial liabilities: what is important to consider

Distance play mode provides for regular payments and reporting to JCJ; details (including fiscal rates and methodologies) shall be checked by the operator against the current version of Resolución Nº 11/2020 and related MEF/JCJ documents. Profile reviews also summarize that it is this resolution that sets the framework for the financial and technical responsibilities of online operators.

Supervision and sanctions

JCJ is authorized to issue, suspend and revoke permits, conduct inspections, impose sanctions and update by-laws. The mandate is enshrined in Decreto Ley Nº 2/1998 and is implemented through resolutions of the Plenum (including changes published in Gatset).

Why Panama remains a convenient jurisdiction for iGaming

Early legalization of online games (since 2002) + update in 2020 created a predictable regulatory environment.

A single regulator (JCJ) with a clear mandate and public publication of acts.

Official channels and services (for example, auto-exclusion/responsible play) that increase reputation and ease of interaction.

License applicant checklist (check against the current edition)

Legal entity in Panama; complete package of corporate and financial documents for JCJ.

AML/KYC and Responsible Play policies; designated compliance officers.

Certified platform (logging, regulator access, data protection, reporting uploads).

Monthly reporting processes and readiness for inspections/sanctions.

Panama offers a mature and understandable model for licensing online games: Decreto Ley Nº 2/1998 authorizes JCJ, Resolución Nº 65/2002 opened distance games, and Resolución Nº 11/2020 updated and systematized the requirements for operators (legal, technical, AML and reporting). To successfully enter the market, it is necessary to work strictly according to the text of the latest publications of JCJ/MEF and Gaceta - it is there that the current conditions and changes in the regime are recorded.