Is online gambling legal in Bolivia?
Online gambling in Bolivia sits in a legal grey area: no online operators are licensed locally, and offshore sites are tolerated. Law 060 of 2010 does not explicitly prohibit you from playing on offshore sites, and individuals are not prosecuted for doing so. Since no sites are licensed by Bolivia, player protections are not guaranteed.
OverviewOverview built from public sources. An in-depth review of Bolivia is available on request. Request it
| Product | Online |
|---|---|
| Online betting | Grey market |
| Online casino | Grey market |
| Online poker | Grey market |
| Lottery | Legal |
Gambling in Bolivia: what you need to know
A 15% tax applies to the value of your stake. You must be 18.
What's legal online in Bolivia: not regulated
Online gambling is not regulated here (online casino, sports betting and online poker grey/partial). Offshore sites are reachable, but if something goes wrong you may have no one to complain to.
Online sports betting is not regulated: no Bolivia licence exists for it, and sites offering it operate without one. Online casino is not regulated: no Bolivia licence exists for it, and sites offering it operate without one. Online poker is not regulated: no Bolivia licence exists for it, and sites offering it operate without one. The lottery is legal on sites licensed in Bolivia.
Using a VPN to reach gambling sites from Bolivia: Legal.
Gambling with crypto: Banned.
Minimum age: 18
You must be 18 to gamble online in Bolivia, for online casino, sports betting and lottery alike.
Tax on winnings: taxable
The Impuesto a la Participación en Juegos (IPJ) is a 15% tax levied on the value of participation (e.g., stake, purchase of tickets), with no minimum threshold. A bill proposed in late 2025 and pending legislative approval in 2026 seeks to eliminate this tax entirely.
How to judge an offshore site
0 (Online Licenses Issued) / ~6 (Land-Based Permits Only) in Bolivia, as of 8 Oct 2026.
Always verify a casino holds a valid Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ) (Gaming and Lottery Control Authority) licence before depositing. Check the official register before signing up.
The official register of licensed sitesAutoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ) (Gaming and Lottery Control Authority)'s website
Prominent operators in Bolivia
If a site isn't on the regulator's licensee register, ask the regulator before you play: an unlisted site is usually not licensed here (a register can lag behind a new licence). An unlicensed site is outside the regulator's supervision, so you cannot complain to the regulator about it.
Red flags: how to spot an unlicensed site
- Check for a Reputable Foreign Licence
Before playing, scroll to the website's footer and look for licensing information from a known jurisdiction like Malta (MGA). While not legally recognized in Bolivia, it indicates a higher level of scrutiny than an unlicensed site.
- Verify Secure and Local Payment Methods
A trustworthy site should offer well-known international payment methods (Visa, Mastercard) and familiar local options like bank transfers via QR codes (Simple) or popular e-wallets.
- Look for Responsible Gambling Tools
Legitimate operators provide tools for setting deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion, even if not required by Bolivian law. The absence of these tools is a major red flag.
- Consult the AJ's List of Authorized Land-Based Venues
For any physical gambling, always check the AJ's official website for the list of authorized casinos and gaming halls. Never play in an unlicensed establishment.
- Be Wary of Social Media Promotions
The AJ actively pursues illegal gambling rings that operate through WhatsApp and Facebook. Be extremely cautious of offers and games promoted on these platforms, as they are often unlicensed and unsafe.
Bonuses: what's allowed and red flags
What you can expect from a licensed site's offers in Bolivia. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.
- Welcome bonus
- Allowed
While loyalty programs are generally allowed in the unregulated market, a 2024 resolution on business promotions prohibits the transfer of points from such schemes to other activities.
Self-exclusion and problem-gambling help in Bolivia
Set your limits before you play. If gambling stops being fun, stop and talk to someone.
Complaints and disputes in Bolivia
- 1
1. Contact Operator Customer Support
The first step is always to resolve the issue directly with the operator's support team. Document all communication.
- 2
2. File a Complaint with the Foreign Regulator
If the operator is licensed by a foreign body (e.g., MGA, Curaçao CGB), players can file a complaint with that authority. The effectiveness of this varies greatly by jurisdiction.
- 3
3. Report Illegal Activity to the AJ
While the AJ cannot enforce payouts from an unlicensed offshore site, players can report fraudulent or illegal operations, especially those with any local presence, via the AJ's website. This can contribute to future enforcement actions.
Common myths about gambling in Bolivia
- MythOnline gambling is completely illegal in Bolivia.Reality
It exists in a legal grey area. While no online operators are licensed locally, Law 060 of 2010 does not explicitly prohibit citizens from playing on offshore sites, and individuals are not prosecuted for doing so.
- MythMy gambling winnings are tax-free.Reality
Under current law, a 15% tax (Impuesto a la Participación en Juegos - IPJ) applies to your stake or participation value. However, a bill to eliminate this tax entirely is being advanced in 2026.
- MythAll betting sites are the same, so I should just pick the one with the best bonus.Reality
Since no sites are licensed by Bolivia, player protections are not guaranteed. Choosing operators licensed in reputable foreign jurisdictions (like Malta or the UK) offers more recourse and higher standards than those with weaker or no licences.
Frequently asked questions about gambling in Bolivia
Is online gambling legal in Bolivia?
Online gambling exists in a legal grey area. The country's 2010 gambling law does not provide a specific licensing framework for online operators, and the regulator (AJ) has not authorized any. However, authorities do not prosecute players for using offshore websites, which are widely accessible.
Are gambling winnings taxed in Bolivia?
Under current law, a 15% tax on participation (Impuesto a la Participación en Juegos - IPJ) is levied on the value of the stake or ticket purchase. However, a major fiscal reform was proposed in late 2025 to eliminate this tax. The bill is pending legislative approval in 2026.
Can I use cryptocurrency for gambling in Bolivia?
No. The Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) has issued resolutions prohibiting the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, as they are not considered legal tender. This ban makes their use for gambling deposits and withdrawals illegal.
How can I file a complaint against an operator in Bolivia?
Complaints regarding licensed land-based operators or reports about illegal gambling can be filed with the regulator, the Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ). While the AJ cannot resolve disputes with unlicensed offshore sites, its official website provides a channel for submitting reports ('denuncias').
What Bolivia bets on most
La Verde national football team's home matches at altitude in La Paz, where many opponents struggle, are Bolivia's signature sporting moments and biggest betting draws.
Biggest wins in Bolivia
Methodology & sources
This page is a Quick AI overview: a summary of public information, not yet checked against the law or the regulator. Treat it as a starting point. It has not yet been through our Deep AI Scan.