Gambling Age In Panama
Minimum Age: 18
Details and Explanation
Legal Age Requirement: In Panama, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 18. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Gaming Control Law, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.
Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal, with over 50 casinos in Panama City, offering slots, poker, and table games, catering to tourists and locals. Betting shops and lotteries are widespread, requiring ID checks to enforce the 18-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at $150 million annually, supports Panama’s tourism economy, with venues featuring extensive game catalogs you’ve shown interest in.
Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated since 2002, with licensed operators offering casinos, sports betting, and poker via mobile platforms, generating $50 million in 2024. The Gaming Control Board ensures age verification and compliance. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked, with over 500 domains restricted by 2025, and players face fines up to PAB 10,000, supporting a competitive market.
Regulation and Oversight: The Gaming Control Board, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, regulates gambling under the Gaming Control Law of 2000. It oversees licensing, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives. Panama’s licensing model, similar to Kahnawake’s, supports a $200 million gambling economy, with 2024 reforms increasing operator taxes to 7% for tourism funding.
Enforcement and Penalties: Panama enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections, with violations like underage gambling leading to fines up to PAB 100,000, license revocation, or criminal charges. Illegal websites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines or account closures. The 2025 cybersecurity enhancements ensure a secure gambling environment, projected to grow 6% annually.
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Population
- Population: 4037043 people.
- Official Language: Spanish
- HDI: 0,82
- Salary: $744
- Poverty rate: 12.9%
- Gini: 50.9%
- The believing population: 81%
- Main religion: Christianity (93%)
- Second religion: Atheism (4.8%)
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Harmful habits
- Alcohol: 6.5 litres/year
- Smoking: 5%
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Internet
- Internet users: 54.5%
- Mobile Internet: 70.7%
- Landline Internet: 28%
- Internet speed: 17 Mbps
- Country Top Level Domain: .PA
- Country name: Panama
- Code (2-digit): PA
- Continent: North America
- Country level: Tier 2
- Capital: Panama
- Country area: 78200 sq km.
- Telephone code: 507
- Currency (code): Balboa (PAB)
- Online casinos: Regulated
- Online sports betting: Regulated
