Panama’s National Assembly has advanced a bill establishing prevention and treatment measures for gambling addiction to second debate, marking a further step in the country’s efforts to formalize policies addressing problem gambling across regulated gaming activities.
The proposed legislation outlines structured prevention programs and treatment mechanisms for pathological gambling, targeting both land-based casino operations and online betting platforms.
Under the initiative, licensed operators would be required to contribute to the funding of prevention and treatment measures, while responsible gaming protocols would be expanded across Panama’s regulated gambling sector.
The bill builds on prior regulatory action by the Panama Gaming Control Board, which operates under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In 2023, the regulator entered into agreements with gaming operators to finance gambling addiction treatment initiatives, including the development of specialized care centers. Initial facilities were planned for the San Miguelito and Bella Vista districts in Panama Province.
According to previously disclosed data, the Gaming Control Board receives between four and eight requests per week from individuals seeking voluntary self-exclusion from casinos. The regulator maintains a registry of approximately 1,000 self-excluded individuals as part of its responsible gaming framework.
If approved, the legislation would formalize treatment infrastructure and expand intervention capabilities beyond existing voluntary programs. While operators have already committed to monthly contributions under the 2023 agreements, specific funding mechanisms and implementation details under the new law remain under review as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Panama’s gambling addiction bill does not introduce new licensing restrictions, focusing instead on public health measures rather than changes to the existing gaming authorization framework
