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
What is the Panama gaming licence?
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 Panama
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
Who the Panama gaming licence suits
requirements
Panama gaming licence requirements
step by step
How to get a Panama gaming licence
- Company & substance Register the Panama company, secure a local office and appoint the required directors. 3–4 weeks
- Documentation & guarantees Prepare the business plan, compliance policies and financial guarantees; complete background files. 2–4 weeks
- Application & investigation Submit to the JCJ and pass the investigation and fit-and-proper review. 1–2 months
- Licence issuance On 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
How much does a Panama gaming licence cost?
- 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 obligations in Panama
technical standards
Technical & IT standards in Panama
after launch
After you go live in Panama
market access
Which markets a Panama licence reaches
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.
Panama gaming licence 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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