Online casinos operate in a complex legal environment in Guatemala, where gambling has been officially prohibited since 1880 under Section 477 of Decree Number 17-73 of the current Guatemala Penal Code, making Guatemala one of the first Central American countries to regulate games of chance (1). Despite this prohibition, the country operates under a contradictory system where the Ministry of Interior has been authorized since 1956 through Decreto Número 574 to issue licenses for gambling establishments, creating what can be described as a semi-legal gambling environment where licensed venues can operate despite the technical illegality of gambling activities.
The regulatory framework remains fragmented and poorly defined, with the Ministry of Interior serving as the only authority responsible for granting licenses and collecting fees, but lacking any obligation to monitor licensees or ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations (1). This weak oversight system has resulted in numerous gambling establishments operating throughout the country, particularly in Guatemala City and tourist areas, without adequate regulatory supervision or official registry of licensed operators, making it difficult to track industry development or ensure proper compliance.
"Guatemala was one of the first Central American countries that regulated games of chance. Its Penal Code banned gambling in 1880, yet its government started to license gaming facilities in 1956" (2).
While online gambling is not specifically regulated in Guatemala, players can freely access international online casino platforms without legal repercussions, as the absence of specific online gambling legislation creates a regulatory gray area (2). Multiple attempts have been made to modernize Guatemala's gambling laws, including a comprehensive 2013 draft bill (No. 4685) that would establish a proper licensing and regulatory agency, introduce gambling taxes, and implement anti-money laundering processes, but these efforts have stalled due to government opposition and concerns about corruption. The lack of adequate regulatory oversight has led to Guatemala being classified by the US State Department as a "Country/Jurisdiction of Primary Concern" regarding money laundering and financial crimes, highlighting the need for comprehensive gambling reform that remains unrealized.
Source:
https://lcb.org/restrictions/guatemala
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-guatemala/
Last updated: 24-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
