Panama’s Gaming Control Board (JCJ) hs continued approving new slot machine halls operated under the Fantastic Casino brand, despite a Supreme Court ruling that declared prior authorizations illegal. The court found the 2009 amendment allowing third-party management of Type A slot halls violated national law and ordered the JCJ to halt these expansions.
Rather than complying, JCJ issued over 20 new hall authorizations in late 2023, denying the court’s decision. The Panamanian Attorney General has since filed a complaint, accusing JCJ of contempt and regulatory overreach that undermines fair competition. Critics argue this defiance blocks market entry for other operators and entrenches monopoly privileges.
Adding context, a previous Supreme Court decision from 2023 struck down 12 slot halls operated by a different company under the same brand, reinforcing that JCJ's current actions contradict established legal precedent. Experts warn that continued non-compliance could damage Panama’s gaming sector reputation, disrupt investor trust, and destabilize regulatory certainty.
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JCJ officials, including two cabinet-level members, justify their stance by citing their regulatory authority to manage gaming venue approvals. However, they have not provided a legal rationale that aligns with the Supreme Court’s interpretation.
Stakeholders now await the next legal move. If courts enforce compliance, JCJ’s recent authorizations may be revoked, reshaping the local gaming landscape. The outcome will determine whether Panama reaffirms the rule of law in its gaming industry or allows regulatory bodies to override judicial limits.
