The legal landscape for gambling in Bolivia is slowly taking shape, with legislation introduced over the last decade aiming to bring structure to an industry long dominated by informal operations. While land-based gaming is regulated to an extent, the online betting sector remains underdeveloped and ambiguous in terms of licensing and enforcement.
In an environment marked by limited transparency and emerging regulatory frameworks, understanding Bolivia’s betting laws is essential for anyone engaging in sports betting, online casinos, or lottery games. This guide brings together the latest legal developments, regulatory insights, and practical advice to help players and operators, navigate Bolivia’s fragmented iGaming environment.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Bolivia’s Betting Laws and Regulatory Bodies
- Key Regulatory Milestones:
- Are International Betting Sites Legal in Bolivia?
- Risks of Using Offshore Sites in Bolivia:
- How to Identify Safe Betting Options in Bolivia
- Bolivia-Licensed Betting vs. Offshore Platforms
- Emerging Trends in Bolivia’s iGaming Sector
- Choosing Safe and Legal Betting Options in Bolivia
- FAQ about the betting regulation in Bolivia
Understanding Bolivia’s Betting Laws and Regulatory Bodies
Since the passage of Law No. 060 (Ley de Juegos de Lotería y Azar) in 2010, Bolivia has officially regulated games of chance through a centralized authority: La Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ): The Gaming Supervision Authority. The AJ is responsible for licensing, auditing, and controlling all gambling activities in the country.
Key Regulatory Milestones:
- 2010: Enactment of Law 060, establishing a legal foundation for all games of chance in Bolivia.
- 2011: Creation of the Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ) as the executive body.
- 2016–2024: Crackdowns on unlicensed land-based betting shops and small-scale lotteries.
Under Bolivian law, any entity wishing to operate a game of chance, whether physical or digital, must be licensed by the AJ, and subject to strict controls, including tax contributions, responsible gaming standards, and technical audits. However, no formal licensing framework currently exists for online-only operators, creating a regulatory gap that many international platforms exploit.
“Bolivia has made significant strides in regulating land-based betting, but online gambling remains in a legal vacuum — not explicitly forbidden, but not yet embraced by the law,” says Dr. Camila Rojas, a Latin American gaming law expert based in La Paz.
Are International Betting Sites Legal in Bolivia?
The legal status of offshore betting platforms in Bolivia is a gray area. The absence of clear legislation governing online gambling means that many international operators continue to accept Bolivian players without formal oversight.
There is no explicit criminalization of individual players using foreign sites licensed in Malta, Curaçao, or Gibraltar. However, these platforms are not regulated or monitored by the AJ, and therefore offer no formal consumer protection under Bolivian law.
Risks of Using Offshore Sites in Bolivia:
- No legal recourse in the event of fraud or non-payment
- Unregulated advertising practices targeting vulnerable populations
- Lack of responsible gambling tools
- Potential future sanctions as Bolivia modernizes its gambling framework
In its 2023 annual report, the AJ stated that it had “initiated consultations on digital licensing models,” but there is still no public registry of approved online betting platforms.
“Bolivian players need to be extremely cautious when using offshore sites. Just because they’re accessible doesn’t mean they’re safe or legal,” warns Luis Alberto Mayta, an iGaming compliance consultant in Santa Cruz.
How to Identify Safe Betting Options in Bolivia
Given the current legal landscape, the only guaranteed legal gambling options are land-based operators licensed by the AJ. These include:
- State-approved casinos and betting houses
- Authorized lottery vendors
- Charitable gaming events with AJ approval
There are no domestically licensed online betting platforms as of 2025. While some land-based operators may offer digital interfaces, these are typically intranet-style kiosks rather than web-based platforms.
To verify the legality of any betting operator, consult the AJ’s official site:
▶ Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego – Registro Público
Here, you’ll find:
- A searchable list of licensed operators
- Details on expired or revoked licenses
- Notices about unauthorized or illegal operations
Bolivia-Licensed Betting vs. Offshore Platforms
While there’s no true “Bolivia-licensed” online betting yet, the distinction between legal land-based operations and offshore websites remains stark.
| Feature | Licensed Bolivian Betting (AJ) | Offshore Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Legal under national law | Yes | No |
| Consumer protection | High (via AJ oversight) | None |
| Payment security | Localized, monitored | Depends on provider |
| Data privacy | Subject to Bolivian law | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Responsible gaming | Enforced by AJ | Optional at best |
| Access without VPN | Yes | Often blocked intermittently |
Emerging Trends in Bolivia’s iGaming Sector
The lack of online gambling regulation has not deterred demand. In fact, the AJ estimates that over $100 million USD in bets were placed via unregulated online platforms in 2024 alone — a 28% increase year over year.
In response, the government is exploring a more structured approach. Key developments expected in 2025–2026 include:
- Digital Licensing Framework: A proposal to allow local operators to apply for online betting licenses, modeled on Colombia’s successful framework.
- Cross-border enforcement: Cooperation with financial institutions to block transactions to blacklisted offshore sites.
- Centralized self-exclusion register: A system to allow problem gamblers to exclude themselves from all licensed operators, both physical and digital.
- AML Compliance Expansion: Tighter anti-money laundering protocols extended to future online operators.
“The regulatory vacuum can’t last forever. Bolivia is looking toward countries like Colombia and Peru, where clear digital laws have both protected players and generated public revenue,” says Rodrigo Ayala, a policy analyst with LatinBet Monitor.
Choosing Safe and Legal Betting Options in Bolivia
Until Bolivia formally opens the online market, players should:
- Avoid offshore platforms, no matter how reputable they appear
- Use only land-based betting shops and casinos licensed by the AJ
- Check the AJ registry before participating in any game of chance
- Exercise caution with payment methods, never provide bank info to unverified sites
- Consult with financial or legal advisors if in doubt about compliance
Bolivia stands at a crossroads in its gambling policy. While the land-based betting sector is well-regulated under Law 060 and the authority of the AJ, the online gambling sector remains in a legal limbo. The absence of a clear framework leaves players exposed to legal ambiguity and significant risks.
However, there are signs of progress. With pressure mounting from both domestic operators and international stakeholders, Bolivia is expected to unveil a formal online licensing system in the coming years, one that balances consumer protection, state revenue, and fair play.
For now, the best course of action for Bolivian players is clear: stay informed, stay legal, and avoid unlicensed platforms. Responsible gaming begins with understanding the law and respecting its boundaries.
FAQ about the betting regulation in Bolivia
Not explicitly. The law neither fully authorizes nor clearly prohibits online gambling. However, the AJ has not yet issued any digital licenses for online platforms.
Technically yes, but at your own risk. These sites are unregulated in Bolivia and offer no legal protectio
No. All legal betting is land-based and must be licensed by the AJ. As of June 2025, there are no locally licensed online sportsbooks.
Check the AJ’s public registry. If the operator is not listed, it is not legally authorized to offer gambling services in Bolivia.
Currently, enforcement is focused on operators, not individuals. However, you could face issues such as payment failure, blocked withdrawals, or data breaches.
Yes. Under Bolivian tax law, winnings from games of chance are subject to a 13% tax, typically withheld at source by licensed operators. Offshore sites do not collect or report tax, creating possible compliance issues.
Yes, according to AJ’s 2024–2026 strategic roadmap, a digital licensing framework is in development. However, no implementation date has been set.
