Latin America · JCJ-regulated · 7-year licence
Panama Gaming Licence
A credible, nationally-regulated online gaming licence from Panama's Junta de Control de Juegos — issued for a full seven years, covering B2C and B2B. You take on a local company, real substance and a 10% GGR tax in exchange for a respected Latin-American credential. Vantegris runs the whole file.
overview
Why Panama.
Panama's online gaming licence is issued by the Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ), the country's national gaming regulator. Unlike a pure offshore permit, this is a nationally-supervised licence: the JCJ sets the fee schedule, runs fit-and-proper checks and enforces ongoing compliance — which is exactly why the credential carries more weight with some partners and payment providers.
It is a heavier, more substantial route than an offshore permit. Operators register a company in Panama, open a local office, appoint at least three directors and pass rigorous background checks, and gaming revenue is taxed at 10%. In return you get a respected Latin-American base and a licence issued for a full seven years rather than renewed annually from scratch.
advantages
Why operators pick it.
A nationally-regulated Latin-American licence that partners and PSPs take seriously.
Seven years, not an annual re-issue — more stability for planning and banking relationships.
B2C and B2B activity under a single authorisation.
A natural hub for operators targeting Latin-American and other emerging markets.
The Panama company and substance become a foundation for banking and further expansion.
head to head
Panama vs. Anjouan
| Criteria | Panama | Anjouan |
|---|---|---|
| Initial fee | $40,000 | €17,828 |
| Annual cost | $20,000 renewal | €17,828 |
| Gaming tax | 10% of GGR | 0% GGR |
| Licence term | 7 years | Annual |
| Local company & office | Required | Not required |
| Directors | At least 3 | Not specified |
| Timeline | 2–8 months | 4–8 weeks |
| Best suited to | Credibility · LatAm · long term | Speed · lowest cost |
who it's for
Built for these operators.
requirements
Eligibility & docs.
step by step
From zero to licence.
- Company & substanceRegister the Panama company, secure a local office and appoint the required directors.3–4 weeks
- Documentation & guaranteesPrepare the business plan, compliance policies and financial guarantees; complete background files.2–4 weeks
- Application & investigationSubmit to the JCJ and pass the investigation and fit-and-proper review.1–2 months
- Licence issuanceOn approval, the seven-year licence issues and operations can begin.Variable
Not sure Panama is the right fit?
Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether Panama or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.
pricing
Transparent packages.
- Panama company registration
- Full JCJ application package
- AML/KYC & responsible-gaming policies
- Regulator liaison through investigation
- Everything in Licence
- Local office & substance setup
- Director appointments
- RNG & technical documentation support
- Everything in Turnkey
- Financial guarantees arrangement
- Banking & PSP introductions
- Corporate accounts & tax structuring
Beyond the JCJ fees, budget for company formation, local office and substance, financial guarantees, certification and compliance. Gaming revenue is taxed at 10% of GGR monthly — we model your full economics before you commit.
obligations
Compliance duties.
technical standards
Technology & IT.
after launch
We stay on after you're live.
market access
Reach & restrictions.
Panama supports broad international reach, especially across Latin America, but a licence is not market access to regulated countries. Operators must geo-block markets they are not separately licensed in, plus sanctioned and FATF-listed territories.
Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
FAQ
How much does a Panama gaming licence cost?
The JCJ charges a $40,000 initial fee and a $20,000 annual renewal, plus a non-refundable investigation fee of $5,000–$10,000 at submission. On top of the fees, gaming revenue is taxed at 10% of GGR monthly, and you must fund company setup, local substance and financial guarantees.
How long is a Panama licence valid?
Panama online gaming licences are generally issued for seven years, which gives more long-term certainty than annually-renewed offshore permits (renewal fees still apply within the term).
Do I need a company and office in Panama?
Yes. You must register a Panama company, maintain a local office and appoint at least three directors — Panama is a substance jurisdiction, not a pure offshore permit.
How long does the process take?
Plan for 2–8 months depending on document readiness, with the JCJ review typically taking 1–2 months once a complete application is submitted.
How does Panama compare to Anjouan?
Panama is a nationally-regulated, seven-year licence with real substance and a 10% GGR tax — heavier and more credible. Anjouan is a fast, low-cost offshore permit with 0% gaming tax and no local presence. Operators who want LatAm reach and a respected credential choose Panama; those who want speed and the lowest cost start on Anjouan.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team · Last updated July 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
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