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Gaming Law in Panama

Young Law Firm provides comprehensive legal advisory for the gaming industry: casinos, internet gaming, operators and entertainment. Our founder served as Director of the Gaming Control Board of the Republic of Panama.

Leaders in gaming law in Panama

Young Law Firm provides a broad range of legal services including gaming such as casino, internet gaming, gaming operators, and entertainment industries. We maintain an active participation in different professional associations and groups, nationally and internationally, in the different areas of the law.

We participate in national and international seminars and conferences, with a view toward not only reinforcing the relationship of our firm with organizations, colleagues and professionals of different countries but also to keep ourselves updated with new trends in our areas of practice.

Resolution No. 9

February 14, 2003 — General gaming regulations

Resolution No. 25

August 28, 2003 — Bingo operations regulation

Resolutions No. 29 & 39

August 28, 2003 — Anti-money laundering in the gaming industry

Resolution No. 40

August 28, 2003 — Approval, manufacturing and distribution of slot machines

The gaming industry in Panama

Panama is the most important financial center in Central America and the Caribbean, and a strategic destination for the gaming industry.

Privatized Industry

Since 1998, the gaming industry was privatized and the government has enacted several gaming laws and regulations that have made Panama the ideal place for the gaming industry.

World-Class Infrastructure

Panama is the landing point of several fiber optic sub-marine cable systems, guaranteeing top-tier connectivity for online gaming operations.

Tax-Free Environment

The U.S. dollar is used as legal tender, with a tax-free environment, and Panama is the main distribution center for commercial products and merchandise to Central and South America.

Gaming Authorization

The Gaming Control Board, which is a dependency of the Ministry of Economics and Finance, is the governmental authority in charge of granting the gaming authorization.

A

Gaming Authorization

In order to obtain the gaming authorization or to obtain the permission to manufacture, distribute and provide slot machines, games appliances or related equipment, it is necessary to file before the Gaming Control Board an application accompanied by the following documents:

  1. 1 Name of the applicant
  2. 2 Address of the applicant
  3. 3 Certificate of Legal Existence (Certificate of Good Standing) duly legalized by a Panamanian Consul or with the Seal of Apostille
  4. 4 Names and addresses of the persons that conform the Board of Directors of the company
  5. 5 Affidavit certifying that the applicant will manufacture or distribute game appliances or equipment that comply with the procedures established by Panamanian Laws and regulations
  6. 6 A certified check on behalf of the Gaming Control Board for the sum of US$1,000.00
B

Import Authorization

To import slot machines and programs, it is necessary to submit before the Gaming Board the following documents:

  1. 1 Original of the Import duties clearance issued by the Custom Department
  2. 2 Copies of the commercial invoices
  3. 3 Bill of Lading
  4. 4 Copy of the compliance certification, if requested

Once these steps have been fulfilled, the Director of the Gaming Control Board will deliver a note to the Customs Director giving his authorization for the importation of the slot machines or programs.

C

Authorization for Rebuilding Slot Machines

It is possible to obtain a permission to rebuild slot machines. In order to proceed accordingly, it is necessary to record the company before the Gaming Control Board submitting the following documents:

  1. 1 Name, nationality, place of business, legal domicile, and name of the legal representative of the company manufacturer that rebuilds the slot machines
  2. 2 Description of the models that would be rebuilt
  3. 3 Certificate of Good Standing of the corporation duly legalized by a Panamanian Consul or with the Seal of Apostille
  4. 4 Payment receipt for the sum of US$1,000.00
  5. 5 Any other documents that the Gaming Control Board considers necessary

The slot machine must bear an inscription stating the name, registration number granted by the Gaming Control Board and the date under which the rebuilding took place. In the event that another person other than the manufacturer effectuates the rebuilding, this situation must be expressly stated in the inscription.

Let us guide you through the gaming process

With over 30 years of experience and deep regulatory knowledge, we are your best ally in Panama's gaming industry.

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