Is Gambling Legal in Venezuela?

In Venezuela, casino operations are legal and regulated under the 1997 Casino Act. After a nearly decade-long ban, Venezuela began reopening casinos in 2020. Around 30 venues have since resumed operations, mostly in major cities, as part of a government push to revive tourism and bring in foreign currency.

Sports betting is legal only in limited forms – mainly horse racing through licensed racetracks. Betting on baseball or football is common but largely informal, with few regulated outlets available. Online gambling exists in a legal grey area – a few local operators are licensed via the National Superintendence for Casino, Bingo Hall, and Slot Machine Activities (SUNAHIP), but enforcement is weak, and offshore sites dominate.

Online Gambling in Venezuela

Land-Based Gambling in Venezuela

Key legislation	Law No. 36.254 (1997)
Allowed activities	Under a valid licence issued by the CNC: casino games of chance (e.g. roulette, blackjack) bingo (in various formats) slot machines – only when operated as part of a licensed casino or bingo hall Activities must be conducted in approved zones (e.g. tourist areas) and generally within 5-star hotel facilities.
Prohibited activities	Among others: operation of any gambling venue without a CNC licence advertising or promoting casino/bingo activities in any form of media standalone slot machine arcades unlicensed games or games not included in approved internal rules
Taxation	Casinos: 10% tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) royalty of 40 tax units per gaming table, monthly 10 tax units per slot machine, monthly Bingo halls: 12% tax on revenue excluding payouts, with a minimum 70% return to players same royalty rates apply as above for gaming equipment Taxes are payable monthly and in addition to other national or municipal taxes.

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Regulatory Authority	National Commission of Casinos, Bingo Halls and Slot Machines (CNC)
Key legislation	There is no specific regulation for online gambling at the moment.
Allowed activities	No available information at the moment
Prohibited activities	No available information at the moment
Taxation and fees	No available information at the moment
Licence validity / duration	No available information at the moment
SOFTSWISS products compliant	No products available at the moment