Nicaragua intensified controls over the importation and circulation of slot machines in August 2026 by destroying 500 new machines that had entered the country without complying with customs and regulatory requirements. The procedure was carried out on August 26 and officially announced by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (MHCP) on August 28, as part of an enforcement strategy aimed at preventing unauthorized equipment from entering or returning to the illegal gambling market.
The 500 machines, together with accessories, spare parts and other gaming-related goods, were dismantled until they were rendered completely unusable and then transferred to an authorized disposal pit located at kilometer 124 of the León–Chinandega highway. The MHCP did not disclose the owner, importer, manufacturer, country of origin, economic value or intended commercial destination of the equipment.
The operation followed the destruction of 369 slot machines on July 16, 2026, bringing the total number of machines eliminated in roughly six weeks to 869. In July, the state cited the fight against illegal gambling, money laundering, organized crime and the protection of minors among its enforcement objectives.
- Nicaragua crushes 369 illegal slot machines under law 766
María Amelia Coronel Kinloch
The main legal basis is Law No. 766, the Special Law for the Control and Regulation of Casinos and Gambling Halls, together with its implementing Decree No. 06-2015. The Ministry also cited Articles 34, 35 and 43, Administrative Provision 019-2022 of the General Directorate of Customs Services (DGA) and the regional CAUCA-RECAUCA customs framework.
Francisco Javier Díaz Madriz
Article 34 restricts slot-machine imports to authorized license holders or suppliers that can prove the equipment will be sold to licensed operators. Articles 35 and 36 allow seizure and destruction for unauthorized imports, illegal operation or customs violations, while Article 43 requires an official record detailing quantity, serial numbers, characteristics, location, date and participating officials. Article 44 sets a maximum period of 15 days from seizure to destruction.
The enforcement authority is the MHCP, whose public leadership structure identifies Nicolás Espinoza Rivera as Vice Minister. The DGA is headed by Eddy Francisco Medrano Soto. The Destruction Commission also includes the Ministry of the Interior, led by María Amelia Coronel Kinloch, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Police, headed by Francisco Javier Díaz Madriz.
