Panama Online Gambling Jumps 59.5% as Gross Wagers Approach US$1.9 Billion

Panama’s gambling market continued to expand in the first seven months of 2026, with gross wagers rising 16.7% to US$1.90 billion as online gambling recorded by far the strongest growth among major regulated segments.

Panama’s regulated gambling market recorded US$1.898 billion in gross wagers between January and July 2026, up 16.7% from US$1.627 billion during the same period last year, according to preliminary data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC).

Online gambling was the fastest-growing segment. Wagers placed through internet gambling platforms increased 59.5% year-on-year to US$463.76 million, compared with US$290.82 million in the first seven months of 2025. Online activity therefore accounted for almost a quarter of all reported gambling wagers during the period.

The digital segment maintained strong momentum in July, when online wagers reached US$84.01 million, representing a 57.9% increase compared with July 2025. June had already produced US$80.14 million in online betting activity.

Type A slot machines remained Panama’s largest gambling category by volume, generating US$1.301 billion in wagers, up 6.9% year-on-year. Gaming tables increased 18.3% to US100.99million,whilesportsbettingshopsrecordedUS10.91 million, an increase of 5.5%.

Not every segment expanded. Racetrack wagering fell 8.7% to US15.41million,whileinstantgamesdeclined30.4%toUS1.40 million. Separately, gross sales and revenue from the National Lottery decreased 1.6% to US$475.13 million.

The latest figures underline the rapid shift toward digital gambling in Panama. Although land-based slot machines still dominate overall wagering volumes, the online segment is expanding at a much faster rate. If that pace continues, digital gambling is likely to account for an increasingly important share of the country’s regulated market and regulatory oversight.