All gambling not expressly authorized by the state is prohibited; only a single land-based casino is licensed. Online gambling operates in a legal grey area with limited enforcement.
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Regulatory AuthorityAutoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ)
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Prohibited
Online Casinos
Prohibited
Betting
Prohibited
Online Betting
Prohibited
Lotteries
Prohibited
Poker
Prohibited
Highlights
Gambling in Bolivia is primarily regulated by Law No. 060, enacted in 2010, which prohibits all unauthorized gambling activities.
The Bolivian Gambling Control Authority (AJ) is responsible for licensing, oversight, and enforcement of gambling regulations.
Only one land-based casino is officially licensed and operates legally in Bolivia, located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Online gambling is not clearly regulated; unauthorized online gambling is prohibited, but foreign sites still accept Bolivian players.
AJ regularly conducts inspections and imposes significant fines on illegal operators, with a record $314,000 in fines issued in 2024.
There are ongoing proposals to amend Law No. 060 to modernize regulations and potentially legalize and regulate online gambling.
Taxation and sanction regimes are under review, with plans to make fines more proportional and improve business conditions for legal operators.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The principal legal framework governing gambling in Bolivia is established by Law No. 060, enacted in 2010. This law serves as the cornerstone for all gambling-related regulation in the country. Law No. 060 explicitly prohibits any gambling activities that are not expressly authorized by the state, including both land-based and online gambling. It also sets out severe penalties for participation in or operation of unauthorized gambling. The law covers all forms of games of chance, betting, and lotteries, providing the legal basis for the regulation and oversight of the sector. While Law No. 060 is comprehensive, it does not provide detailed procedures for the licensing of online gambling operators, resulting in a legal grey area for online gambling. Amendments and proposals to update the law have been discussed, particularly to address online gaming and modernize the regulatory regime, but Law No. 060 remains the primary legislation in force.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Bolivia are the responsibility of the Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ), known in English as the Gaming Control Authority. The AJ was established by Law No. 060 and operates as the central regulatory body for all gambling activities within Bolivia. Its key legal responsibilities include:
Supervising and controlling all authorized gambling and lottery operations
Enforcing prohibitions on unauthorized gambling, including imposing sanctions and conducting inspections
Ensuring compliance with legal and technical standards for gaming equipment and operations
Monitoring and regulating both land-based and online gambling activities
Proposing updates and amendments to existing gambling legislation to address emerging industry trends
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Bolivia
Currently, Bolivia operates a highly restrictive licensing system for gambling activities. Only a very limited number of licenses are granted, with just one authorized casino operating in the country as of 2024, located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
The primary types of licenses available are for land-based casinos and lotteries. Other forms of gambling, including most online gambling activities, are not clearly regulated or licensed under the current framework.
Licenses for business promotions and raffles may be available under specific conditions, but these are subject to strict oversight by the Bolivian Gambling Control Authority (Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego, AJ).
Application Process for Gambling Licenses
The application process is administered by the AJ, which is the sole regulatory authority responsible for issuing and overseeing gambling licenses in Bolivia.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive application dossier, including detailed business plans, information on ownership and management, technical specifications of gaming equipment, and evidence of financial capacity.
Background checks on company directors and key personnel are conducted to ensure suitability and integrity.
The AJ conducts thorough operational inspections and audits before granting any license, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
There is no established process for obtaining an online gambling license as of 2025; online gambling remains in a legal grey area, with no formal licensing procedures in place.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
Licenses are typically granted for a fixed term, the length of which is determined by the AJ based on the type of activity and compliance history of the applicant.
Renewal of licenses requires operators to demonstrate ongoing compliance with all regulatory standards, including regular audits and inspections by the AJ.
Eligibility is restricted to entities that can prove financial stability, operational capacity, and a clean legal record for their owners and key staff.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Applicants must pay substantial licensing fees, which vary depending on the type and scale of the gambling operation. The exact fee structure is determined by the AJ and is subject to periodic review.
Operators are required to provide financial guarantees or bonds to ensure they can meet their obligations, including the payment of winnings and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additional costs may include fees for ongoing inspections, audits, and compliance monitoring.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict adherence to technical standards for gaming equipment and operational procedures.
Implementation of robust anti-fraud and anti-money laundering measures.
Regular submission of operational data and financial reports to the AJ.
Cooperation with AJ personnel during inspections and audits, which are conducted frequently and without prior notice.
Prompt payment of all regulatory fees and fines, as failure to do so may result in license suspension or revocation.
Summary Table: Key Aspects of Bolivia's Gambling Licensing System
Aspect
Details
Types of Licenses
Land-based casino, lottery, business promotions/raffles
Technical standards, anti-fraud/AML measures, regular reporting, cooperation with AJ
Online Gambling
No formal licensing process; remains a legal grey area
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Bolivia
The taxation system for gambling operators in Bolivia is governed by Law No. 060. The law establishes that authorized gambling activities are subject to specific taxes, but the details of the applicable rates depend on the type of gambling operation. The most common forms of gambling that are taxed include casinos, lotteries, and promotional games.
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate
Basis of Taxation
Casinos (Authorized)
30%
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Lotteries
15%
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Promotional Games
10%
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Basis for Taxation
Taxes are calculated on the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is the difference between the total amount wagered and the total amount paid out as winnings.
Each type of gambling activity (casinos, lotteries, promotional games) is taxed separately according to its specific rate.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Licensed gambling operators must submit regular tax declarations to the Bolivian Gambling Control Authority (AJ).
Tax payments are typically made on a monthly basis, following the close of each reporting period.
Operators are required to provide detailed reports of their gaming activity, including total wagers, payouts, and resulting GGR.
The AJ conducts audits and inspections to verify the accuracy of reported figures and ensure compliance with tax obligations.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are currently no widely available tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators in Bolivia.
All authorized gambling activities are subject to the standard tax rates as defined by Law No. 060.
Unlicensed or unauthorized gambling activities are strictly prohibited and subject to significant fines and penalties, not tax obligations.
Bolivia’s taxation system for gambling operators is straightforward, with clear rates applied to GGR and strict reporting and payment requirements enforced by the national regulator. No special tax incentives or exemptions are currently in place for the sector.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participating in any form of authorized gambling in Bolivia is 18 years old.
Licensed gambling venues are required to verify the age and identity of all players to prevent minors from accessing gambling services. This typically involves checking official identification documents upon entry or registration.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
All forms of gambling that are not expressly authorized by the state are strictly prohibited. This includes both land-based and online gambling operations that lack official approval.
Unauthorized online gambling platforms are explicitly banned, and both operators and players can face severe penalties for participation in illegal gambling activities.
There are currently significant limitations on the number of authorized casinos, with only one officially licensed casino operating in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Unregulated gambling machines and illicit betting operations are subject to confiscation and heavy fines.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and promotion of unauthorized or illegal gambling activities are strictly forbidden.
Licensed gambling operators must ensure that all marketing materials do not target minors or vulnerable individuals.
All advertising must comply with responsible gambling standards and should not mislead consumers about the chances of winning or the risks involved.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Licensed operators are required to implement responsible gambling policies, including providing information about the risks of gambling and resources for individuals seeking help with gambling problems.
Operators must display responsible gambling messages prominently within their venues and on their websites, where applicable.
Self-exclusion mechanisms should be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities.
The Bolivian Gaming Control Authority (AJ) conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with player protection and responsible gambling standards.
Operators are expected to monitor for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary to protect players.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Gambling venues are geographically restricted, with only a limited number of authorized locations permitted to operate. Currently, only one legal casino is allowed, located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Gambling activities are not permitted outside authorized venues, and mobile or street gambling is strictly prohibited.
The Gaming Control Authority conducts regular inspections in major cities to enforce these location-based restrictions and prevent the spread of illegal gambling operations.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
2002
Establishment of the National Lottery of Bolivia (LNB), marking the government's first significant step towards regulating gambling activities.
2010
Enactment of Law No. 060, the primary legislation governing gambling in Bolivia, which created the Bolivian Gambling Control Authority (Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego, AJ) to oversee and control all gambling activities. The law explicitly bans all unauthorized gambling, including online gambling.
2020
The AJ proposes amendments to Law No. 060 to modernize regulation, improve transparency, and address new verticals such as online gaming. The proposal is presented at the Initial Public Accountability Hearing.
2023
The AJ announces increased controls over online gambling and initiates studies to better understand gambling patterns in major cities.
2024
The AJ imposes a record amount of fines on illegal gambling operators and intensifies enforcement efforts, reflecting a robust commitment to upholding Law No. 060 and combating unauthorized gambling activities.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards Requirements
All gaming software and equipment used by authorized operators must comply with technical standards set by the Bolivian Gaming Control Authority (Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego, AJ).
Gaming devices and systems are subject to regular inspections and audits by AJ personnel to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with technical specifications.
Operators must ensure that all gaming software is certified by recognized testing laboratories to guarantee randomness, integrity, and security.
Any updates or modifications to gaming software require prior approval from the AJ and may be subject to additional certification or inspection.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements
Operators are required to implement robust data protection measures to safeguard personal and financial information of players.
All player data must be stored securely, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
Operators must ensure compliance with national data privacy regulations, including secure transmission and storage of sensitive information.
There are no explicit public requirements regarding the mandatory physical location of servers, but data must be accessible to the AJ for regulatory oversight and auditing purposes.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must implement comprehensive AML procedures, including the monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions to relevant authorities.
KYC protocols are mandatory, requiring operators to verify the identity, age, and residency of all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Operators must maintain records of all customer identification documents and transaction histories for a period specified by the AJ.
Enhanced due diligence is required for high-value transactions or when there are indications of suspicious activity.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
Operators must submit regular financial reports to the AJ, detailing revenues, payouts, and other key financial metrics.
All financial records, including transaction logs and accounting documents, must be maintained in accordance with standards set by the AJ and be available for inspection at any time.
Operators are subject to periodic audits conducted by the AJ to verify compliance with financial and technical regulations.
Records must be kept for a minimum period as determined by the AJ to facilitate regulatory reviews and investigations.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators are required to implement technical tools that promote responsible gambling, such as self-exclusion mechanisms and deposit or betting limits.
Systems must be in place to detect and prevent underage gambling, including age verification checks at registration.
Operators must provide players with access to information about responsible gambling and support resources.
Technical systems must allow for the immediate activation of self-exclusion requests and ensure that excluded individuals cannot participate in gambling activities during the exclusion period.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
