Panama’s National Assembly Approves New Gambling Levy and Advertising Restrictions

(AsiaGameHub) –   Bill 403 puts forward a prohibition on gambling advertisements, other new restrictions, and a levy to support treatment programs.

Panama.- The National Assembly has voted to pass a bill imposing new gambling restrictions in Panama. Sponsored by deputies Raúl Pineda and Crispiano Adames, Bill 403 now needs only final approval from President José Raúl Mulino Quintero to become law.

Designed to enhance protection for vulnerable groups against gambling-related harm, the legislation will impose a 10 percent levy on the revenues of online gambling operators. Funds from the levy will go to the Institute of Mental Health (INSAM) to support the creation of treatment programs and the setup of a specialized gambling addiction center in Panama.

As noted by Focus Gaming News Latinoamérica, the legislation will also ban gambling ads in traditional media, social media, and sports, and forbid the use of celebrities or influencers to promote gambling.

It will also mandate that online platforms use biometric identification to keep minors from accessing gambling services. Additionally, payment methods will be limited to lower the risk of debt and unregulated spending.

Oversight of the new rules will be handled by the Gaming Control Board (JCJ), which will have tools to monitor compliance in real time. Violations could lead to fines of up to 10 percent of an operator’s revenue, license suspensions, or criminal charges.

Educational efforts are also included in the bill, with plans to roll out awareness programs in schools across the country.

Panama’s action follows Brazil’s increase in its gambling tax rate and Colombia’s announcement of a new gambling consumption tax.