Panama Approves Bill to Tighten Gambling Regulations and Ban Betting Advertising
Panama's National Assembly has passed a bill to combat gambling addiction and regulate the industry, including a near-total advertising ban.Summary
Panama's National Assembly has approved Bill No. 403, a significant piece of legislation aimed at tightening gambling regulations. The bill, initiated by deputies Raúl Pineda and Crispiano Adames, responds to the rapid growth of online gambling in the region. Its key provisions include a near-total ban on gambling advertising across traditional media, digital platforms, social networks, and sporting sponsorships, explicitly prohibiting the use of influencers and public figures to promote betting. A 10% profit levy on operators will fund treatment programs through the Panamanian Institute of Mental Health (INSAM). To protect minors, online platforms must implement biometric identity verification. Enforcement, managed by the Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ), will involve fines up to 10% of revenue, license revocation, and criminal proceedings for serious violations. The bill also proposes educational modules on gambling risks for schools. It now awaits the president's signature to become law.
(Source：Newsroom Panama)