(H1): Legality of casinos, lotteries, bingo and sports betting in Bolivia

1) Legal framework and regulator

Basic act: Ley del Juego (2010) with regulations.

Regulator: Autoridad de Fiscalización y Control Social del Juego (AJ) - issues permits, approves technical standards, inspects, applies sanctions.

Principle: any activity with a cash rate and a random outcome requires AJ's permission; "gray" formats are prohibited.

2) What is legal by type of activity

Casino and gaming halls (slots, tables)

Status: allowed with AJ site license and game/equipment list.

Conditions: RNG/RTP certification, machine inventory, video surveillance, cash discipline, RG and AML procedures.

Age: 18 + (check at entry and before payments).

Online: only possible with separate order/AJ resolution; operation without a digital license is prohibited.

Bingo

Status: Legal in both permanent venues and event format (charity/club draws) when permitted by AJ.

Conditions: approved rules, publicity of the draw, card accounting, reporting and distribution of the prize fund.

Online bingo: allowed only within the AJ order with transparent mechanics and verification of participants.

Lotteries

Status: Public and private lotteries allowed under AJ permit.

Conditions: circulation regulation, share of the prize fund, publication of results, control of unclaimed prizes, financial statements.

Online ticket sales/raffles: only if AJ digital channel requirements (e-KYC, data protection, reporting) are met.

Sports betting (betting)

Offline status: legal for licensed operators (betting points).

Online status: only permissible in the manner prescribed by AJ; without separate permission, online betting is considered illegal.

Conditions: quotes/margin in the rules, control of payout of winnings, prevention of match-fix, RG/AML.

💡 Promotions with prize draws (rifas, tómbolas, promociones) - also AJ zone. Need notification/permission and transparent rules for choosing winners.

3) Online vs Offline: Key Differences

Parameter	Offline	Online
Permission	Site/Operator License	Separate Digital Resolution/AJ Order
Identification	18 + check-in/check-out	e-KYC, geofilters, log storage
Reporting	Cash desk, journals, inventory	Those. uploads, transaction monitoring, data protection
Advertizing	Channel/time constraints	18 +, RG-marking, prohibition of "easy money," targeting with age filters
Fighting illegal	Inspections, sealing, confiscation	Locks, payment firewall, sanctions against advertising distributors

4) Advertising and sponsorship

Communication aimed at minors and vulnerable groups is prohibited.

We need mandatory RG warnings and 18 +.

Sponsorship of sports and events is permissible with explicit labeling and adherence to codes.

In digital: transparent T & Cs, a ban on false promises and aggressive "quick income."

5) Responsible Gambling (RG) and Player Protection

Age barrier 18 +.

RG mechanisms: self-exclusion, deposit/time/loss limits, "timeouts."

Transparency: clear rules of games, probability of winning (where applicable), timing/order of payments.

Complaints: procedure for consideration, AJ contacts; log/video storage for dispute resolution.

6) AML/KYC and payments

KYC: identity/age identification, re-verification before payments; record storage.

AML/KYT: transaction monitoring, threshold suspicious transaction reports, staff training, compliance officer.

Payment methods: cash (with limits), bank transfers, cards, electronic wallets; crypto payments - only if the requirements of AML/KYT and the permitted scheme are met.

7) Inspections and sanctions

AJ checks: planned/sudden; license control, cash register, video, software, advertising, RG/AML.

Sanctions: from warning and fine to suspension and revocation of license.

Illegal activities: sealing of points, confiscation and disposal of equipment; with repetition - toughening of punishments.

8) Practical checklists

For casino/gaming room (offline)

AJ Site License and Game/Equipment List.

RNG/RTP certificates, inventory, sealing.

RG/AML/KYC policies approved, staff trained, compliance officer assigned.

Video surveillance, cash desk, event and incident logs.

Advertising layouts with 18 + and RG, without "easy money."

Daily/monthly reports without delay.

For online operator

Separate AJ resolution/order for digital channel.

e-KYC, geofiltration, data protection, transaction logs.

Full AML/KYT loop and transaction monitoring.

Transparent T&C, fair advertising, RG tools.

Technical downloads of AJ metrics on request, data backup.

For lotteries/bingo/promo draws

AJ permit, circulation regulations, share of prize pool.

Public drawing procedure, publication of results.

Accounting of tickets/cards, reporting on prizes and unclaimed payments.

9) Frequent Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to conduct online bets with only an offline license?

No, it isn't. The digital channel requires a separate AJ order/resolution.

Are private lotteries allowed?

Yes, subject to AJ's clearance, rule transparency and prize fund reporting.

Do I need a license for a one-time tombola/promotional draw in the store?

Yes I did. Promotions fall under AJ's control: notice/permission and documented mechanics of selecting winners are needed.

What threatens for an illegal hall with machine guns?

Fines, sealing, confiscation and disposal of equipment; tougher measures are possible in case of repeated violations.

10) Withdrawal

In Bolivia, casinos, lotteries, bingo and sports betting are only legal in a licensed format overseen by AJ. Offline formats are allowed when executing technical standards, RG and AML/KYC; online activity is permissible only within the established AJ order. Any "gray" schemes lead to sanctions. For operators, the compliance formula is simple: AJ resolution → technical certification → transparent advertising and RG → AML/KYC discipline → timely reporting. For players, that means a safer, more predictable participation environment.