Panama Gambling License Info

Updated: 2025

One of the smaller online gambling licensing jurisdictions, Panama, nonetheless, is home to a handful of well-known brands. The reason for its allure is clear: minimal government interference and a banking industry that is friendly to gambling operations. And while this Central American country lacks the kind of physical sheer space (and famed tourist attractions) that the online gambling behemoth, Gibraltar, can tout, Panama has a modern and well-kept urban infrastructure that any web-based business would welcome.

The Online Gaming Act of 2002 made Panama a licensing jurisdiction. The first license Panama dealt out was in 2003, and since then, the Central American nation has continued to satisfy its role as a regulator of online casino gaming. The Junta de Control de Juegos (Gaming Control Board) is in charge of not only licensing but also monitoring the operations of all licensed gambling sites.

Licensing Process and Fees

Those who wish to serve as a gaming company in Panama must seek the necessary permits from the Panamanian government. This forces even all-American companies like the recently opened MGM Grand at Foxwoods to play by Panamanian rules. MGM's business, like that of all gaming operators in Panama, is closely watched.

When the operator receives approval, they are then granted a licenses to act as a master. Those who hold the master licenses have the authority to grant sub-licenses to other operators, depending on the situation. They must also ensure that there is enough cash available to cover all obligations. And, by the way, all of this must be done in writing and with sufficient time to allow for review.

• Application and first year: $40,000
• Yearly fee after first year: $20,000
• Sublicense yearly fee: $20,000

Is a Gambling License From Panama a Reliable Indicator of Quality?

You have an online casino in mind, and you see it is licensed in Panama. Does that mean anything? Events of the past would lead us to say no. There are good sites and bad sites licensed by this local authority. If this operator is on the up-and-up, it doesn't need the equivalent of a Panama paper to make it trustworthy.

One of our favorite sites for gambling across the board (BetOnline) is based in Panama. But the reason we like BetOnline has nothing to do with the fact that they have a license from Panama. We like them because they take care of players, process withdrawals, and run an ethical business.

UltimateBet.com, however, is still an active licensee, according to the Gaming Control Board. If you’re not familiar with Ultimate Bet, they went under a number of years ago after being exposed for a huge cheating scandal. Employees of the site were the ones doing the cheating. It's a bit disheartening to see UB still listed as a licensed poker room when all this occurred back in 2011.

A license from Panama merely signifies that the gambling site has located its operations there. It amounts to a governmental consent to run real money games and to a basic, if not cursory, clearance through the initial licensing process. There are no guarantees attached to a Panamanian license beyond those.

For those who want to know more about the online gambling license in Panama, you can go to their website or get in touch with them via phone or email. We have laid out all that information below for your convenience.

• Website: http://www.mef.gob.pa/
• E-Mail: [email protected]
• Phone: (+507) 507-7600