Online casinos operate in a legal gray area in Venezuela, as the country's gambling laws do not explicitly address online gambling activities. Venezuela's gambling sector is regulated under Law No. 36.254 from 1997, known as the "Law for the Control of Casinos, Bingo Rooms, and Slot Machines," which established the National Commission of Casinos, Bingo Halls, and Slot Machines (CNC) under the Ministry of Finance (1). This legislation primarily governs land-based gambling operations and does not provide specific provisions for online casino games, creating regulatory uncertainty for digital gambling platforms.
The Venezuelan government has authorized only a limited number of online gambling licenses, with most focusing on lottery and sports betting rather than traditional casino games. The National Lottery of Venezuela operates state-controlled online services, and since 2012, mobile-based lottery games have been explicitly permitted (2). Land-based casinos must operate within five-star hotels located in designated tourist zones with at least 200 rooms, and licenses are valid for ten years with renewal requirements submitted ninety days before expiration.
"Online gambling in Venezuela has been sort of a gray area without an all-inclusive online gambling law to control online gambling activities."
Venezuelan players commonly access offshore online casino sites without government interference, as no specific laws prohibit citizens from using international gambling platforms. However, these offshore operators are not regulated or supervised by Venezuelan authorities, meaning players have no legal protections when using such services. The economic crisis and hyperinflation have significantly impacted the local gambling industry, with many land-based venues closing permanently. In 2020, President Nicolás Maduro authorized the reopening of 30 casinos after a decade-long closure initiated by former President Hugo Chávez, but the focus remains primarily on land-based operations rather than comprehensive online gambling regulation.
Source:
https://www.asambleanacional.gob.ve/leyes/sancionadas/ley-para-el-control-de-casinos-salas-de-bingo-y-maquinas-traganiqueles
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-venezuela/
Last updated: 24-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
