Online casinos are legal in Nicaragua since 2011, following the enactment of Special Law 766 for the Control and Regulation of Casinos and Gambling Venues (1). This legislation established the framework for both land-based and online gambling operations in the Central American nation. The law created a licensing system that allows companies with existing brick-and-mortar casino operations to offer online gambling services to nationals, residents, and tourists. Nicaragua's gambling industry has experienced significant growth since the government first legalized land-based gambling in 2001, with regulatory oversight initially under the Ministry of Tourism before transferring to the Ministry of Finance in 2014.
While online gambling is legally permitted, Nicaragua does not issue its own online gambling licenses directly to operators. Instead, only companies that already hold land-based casino licenses or are in partnership with such companies can apply for online gambling permits (2). The regulatory framework requires operators to pay corresponding taxes and comply with international standards of reliability, transparency, and security. The Financial Analysis Unit within the Ministry of Finance oversees the gambling sector through the Casino Control Council, which was established to effectively regulate the industry and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering requirements.
"Nicaragua has not banned online gambling and allows firms to apply for a license that permits them to accept bets from people in the country."
Nicaraguan players can freely access offshore online casinos without legal restrictions, as the government maintains no blocked website list and has not penalized foreign operators serving local residents (1). However, players should exercise caution when selecting online gambling platforms, as the U.S. State Department has classified Nicaragua as a jurisdiction of primary concern regarding money laundering and financial crimes (2). For enhanced safety, experts recommend choosing offshore casinos licensed by reputable regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or similar established jurisdictions. The minimum age for gambling in Nicaragua is 18 years, and while gambling winnings are technically subject to income tax, enforcement is typically limited to substantial winnings exceeding $100,000.
Source:
https://undp.org.ni/nicaragua-and-regulations
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-nicaragua/
Last updated: 24-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
