Is Gambling Legal in Aruba? Casino Guide for Tourists & Locals

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Aruba Gaming Control Board

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Regulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Regulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

Gambling is legal for individuals aged 18 and above
Casinos require patrons to show valid ID upon entry
Land-based and online operators must obtain licenses from the relevant authority
Residents are limited to eight monthly casino visits
Operators cannot provide credit to residents
Online operators are restricted from targeting Dutch residents of the Netherlands
Licenses for online operators are issued via ministerial decree

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The legal framework governing gambling in Aruba is established through national legislation that permits and regulates both land-based and online gambling activities. The core structure is defined by laws that allow various forms of gambling, including casino gaming and online betting, for both residents and visitors. The legislation mandates that all gambling operations must be licensed, and sets out the legal responsibilities for license holders, including operational oversight, compliance with regulatory standards, and cooperation with state inspectors. The law also stipulates that licenses are personal, non-transferable, and subject to renewal periods as determined by the relevant authorities. There are specific provisions to ensure the integrity of gambling operations, such as prohibitions on providing credit to residents and requirements for daily supervision within licensed establishments.

Regulatory Authority

Oversight and enforcement of Aruba’s gambling laws are carried out by a designated regulatory authority responsible for the supervision of both land-based and online gambling activities. This body is tasked with ensuring compliance with the established legal framework and safeguarding the integrity of the gambling sector. The regulatory authority’s key legal responsibilities include:

Granting and revoking gambling licenses for operators in Aruba
Monitoring and supervising the operations of licensed gambling establishments
Conducting inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards
Enforcing prohibitions and restrictions as set out in the legislation
Advising the government on matters related to gambling regulation and policy

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses in Aruba

Land-Based Casino License: Required for operating physical casino establishments on the island.
Online Gambling License: Issued for operators wishing to provide online gaming services from Aruba. This license is valid for international operations but does not permit targeting Dutch residents of the Netherlands or offering services within the broader Kingdom outside Aruba.

Application Process

All applications for both land-based and online gambling licenses must be submitted to the Directorate of Aruba Casinos (DAC).
Applicants must provide comprehensive business information, including:
- Company incorporation documents
- Identities of owners and organizational structure
- Proof of solvency and financial stability
- Detailed rules for games to be offered
The DAC may request additional information as deemed necessary during the review process.
Online gambling licenses are granted by ministerial decree and are subject to ministerial discretion.

License Duration and Renewal

Licenses for both land-based and online operators are issued for a period of five years.
Licenses are personal and non-transferable.
Renewal procedures require operators to demonstrate ongoing compliance with all regulatory requirements and may involve re-submission of updated business and financial information.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be legally incorporated entities with transparent ownership structures.
Proof of financial solvency and the ability to maintain operational integrity is required.
Operators must not provide credit to residents and must adhere to responsible gaming practices, including the prevention of alcohol abuse on premises (for land-based casinos).
Operators must allow state casino inspectors access to premises at any time (for land-based casinos).
Online operators must not target Dutch residents of the Netherlands and cannot offer services within the Kingdom outside Aruba.

Costs and Financial Requirements

Specific licensing fees and ongoing costs are determined by the DAC and may vary depending on the type and scale of operation.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover operational and regulatory costs.
There are no additional certificates or authorizations required beyond the main license issued by the DAC.

Key Requirements for Maintaining a License

Continuous compliance with all regulatory and operational standards set by the DAC.
Regular reporting and transparency regarding business operations and financial status.
Adherence to responsible gaming and anti-fraud measures.
Immediate cooperation with regulatory inspections and audits.
For online operators, strict adherence to geographic and marketing restrictions as outlined in the license terms.

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Aruba

Aruba imposes specific tax rates on gambling operators, both for land-based casinos and online gaming entities. The taxation system is structured as follows:

Type of Gambling Operation	Tax Rate	Basis for Taxation
Land-based Casinos	Approximately 6%–8%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Online Gambling Operators	Varies (commonly fixed annual fee or negotiated percentage)	May be based on GGR or fixed license fee

The exact rates and structure for online operators can depend on the specific terms of the license agreement, as these are often set by ministerial decree and may involve either a percentage of GGR or a fixed annual fee.

Basis for Taxation

The primary basis for taxation of land-based casinos is Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is calculated as the difference between the total amount wagered by players and the total amount paid out as winnings.
For online gambling operators, the basis for taxation may be either GGR or a fixed annual fee, depending on the license terms.

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

Gambling operators are required to maintain accurate records of all gaming activities, including wagers, payouts, and gross revenue.
Tax payments are typically due on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the operator’s agreement and the type of license held.
Operators must submit periodic tax returns detailing their gross gaming revenue and the corresponding tax due.
Failure to comply with tax reporting or payment obligations may result in penalties, fines, or suspension of the gaming license.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

There are no broad-based tax exemptions for gambling operators in Aruba; all licensed operators are subject to the applicable tax rates.
In certain cases, online gambling operators may negotiate specific terms regarding tax rates or payment structures as part of their licensing agreement, which can result in unique tax arrangements or incentives.
No additional or special tax provisions for social or charitable gaming are publicly documented for Aruba.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions

The legal gambling age in Aruba is 18 years. Players must be prepared to present identification when entering casinos, as ID verification is frequently required. Visitors should ensure they carry valid identification documents when planning to visit gambling establishments on the island.

Location and Venue Restrictions

Casinos in Aruba are only permitted to operate within hotel establishments. Standalone casino venues are prohibited, as gambling licenses are exclusively granted to operators that run hotels. This restriction ensures that gambling activities remain integrated with the tourism infrastructure rather than existing as independent venues.

Prohibited Activities

Casino operators are strictly forbidden from providing any form of credit to Aruban residents
Abuse of alcohol on casino premises is prohibited
Online gambling operators licensed in Aruba are not permitted to target Dutch residents of the Netherlands

Game Restrictions

Gambling activities in Aruba are limited to specific approved games. These include craps, bingo, keno, card games, roulette, wheel of fortune, slot machines, and any other games that have received explicit approval from the Minister of Justice. All games must be conducted under proper and expert direction.

Operational Requirements

Daily supervision of casino operations must be delegated to a designated casino supervisor. Operators are required to allow state casino inspectors on the premises at any time to ensure compliance with regulations and player protection measures. This helps maintain oversight and accountability in gambling operations.

Jurisdictional Limitations

For online operators, licenses issued in Aruba have specific geographic limitations. These licenses are not valid within the Kingdom of the Netherlands but are instead only valid in Aruba and worldwide. This creates a clear jurisdictional boundary for online gambling services.

Compliance Requirements

Casino operations must at all times comply with all conditions, rules, and regulations established by the Minister of Justice. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in penalties including closure of the establishment and/or withdrawal of the operating permit. While specific responsible gambling measures are not explicitly detailed in the available information, the regulatory framework includes supervision requirements and prohibitions that serve to protect players, particularly local residents, from potential gambling-related harms.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1950s	First casinos open in Aruba, marking the beginning of regulated gambling on the island.
1962	Aruba enacts its first formal legal framework for casino operations, establishing government oversight of gambling activities.
1986	Aruba attains Status Aparte within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, gaining autonomy over its internal affairs, including gambling regulation.
1990s	Expansion of land-based casinos and formalization of licensing procedures for casino operators.
2000s	Introduction of regulations for online gambling operators, allowing licensing for internet-based gaming platforms targeting international markets.
2013	Establishment of the Aruba Gaming Control Board as the main regulatory authority overseeing both land-based and online gambling.
2016	Implementation of updated licensing requirements and stricter compliance measures for casino operators to enhance oversight and integrity.
2020s	Ongoing review and modernization of gambling legislation to address emerging trends and ensure alignment with international standards.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

Gambling operators in Aruba must ensure that all gaming software and systems used are fair, secure, and function as intended. While there is no explicit requirement for third-party software certification, operators remain fully responsible for the integrity and reliability of their gaming systems.
Operators must provide detailed information about the rules of the games offered and the technical operation of all gaming systems to the regulatory authority upon request.
Gaming systems must be capable of being inspected by state casino inspectors at any time, ensuring ongoing compliance with technical standards and operational integrity.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

Operators are expected to implement robust data protection and privacy measures to safeguard player information in accordance with general international standards, though Aruba does not specify unique data protection laws for gambling beyond general business requirements.
There are no explicit requirements regarding the physical location of servers for online gambling operators, but operators must ensure that data is accessible for inspection by the regulatory authority when requested.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

Operators must implement anti-money laundering procedures, including the identification and verification of customers (KYC), monitoring of transactions, and reporting of suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
Operators are required to collect and verify customer identification documents, especially for transactions above certain thresholds and for all players entering the casino premises.
Operators must maintain records of customer identities and transactions to support AML compliance and facilitate regulatory inspections.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

Operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records of all gaming activities, including detailed transaction logs and customer account histories.
Financial records must be available for inspection by regulatory authorities and must be retained for a period specified by the regulator, typically several years.
Operators may be subject to periodic audits by independent auditors or the regulatory authority to ensure compliance with financial and operational standards.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators are expected to implement responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion options and limits on deposits or losses, within their technical systems.
Responsible gambling tools must be accessible to players and function reliably to support player protection and regulatory compliance.
Operators must ensure that technical systems for responsible gambling are auditable and can be reviewed by regulatory authorities as needed.

Sources

Legislation Resources

Government of Aruba – Legislation Portal - Official database for Aruba’s laws and regulations, including gambling legislation