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How to find the best casino sites in Nicaragua? This country guide will help you on this mission. From rules and regulations via history to top brands, you'll learn all you need to make the right choice.
Let's start with the latter.
Table of contents Our strict selection process recognized these brands as top picks for Nicaraguan players:
Gambling has been LEGAL in Nicaragua since 2001. Currently, the act of 2014 governs the industry under the Ministry of Finance.
Online gambling has been LEGAL in Nicaragua since 2011. Even the original 2001 law allowed gambling. But, the rise of illegal activities made the government launch the new legislation.
Legal basis: |
In Nicaragua, licensed domestic online casinos and licensed land-based casinos accept players. Many licensed offshore online casinos welcome Nicaraguan players, too.
Pro tip: A domestic license may not warrant a top gaming experience. Always look for the international license from UKGC, Curacao, etc. |
Yes. Since the government lifted the ban, Nicaraguan players can access foreign sites.
Yep. As any kind of visitor, you can gamble online. The gambling laws apply to citizens and permanent residents.
Regulation and licensing in Nicaragua is a complex enterprise with several bodies involved. The management is split between:
Within the ministry, there are two relevant units:
Here's how it works:
The Ministry of Finance is in charge.
Its Financial Analysis Unit manages the Casino Control Council.
Its Treasury handles licensing.
The Board of Casino and Gaming Venues inspects machines and ensures fairness of outcomes.
Companies that have permits for land-based casinos may acquire online gambling licenses.
Legal basis: Decree 6/2015 |
Nicaraguan players must be 18 years old to gamble online or offline.
Legal basis: Article 37.5 of Decree 766 |
Yes, but somewhat different than elsewhere. In Nicaragua, casinos pay fixed taxes per machine and table. There's no lump sum or ratio-based taxation scheme.
De jure - yes. De facto - no.
Income tax applies for the winnings, but for smaller-scale prizes, no taxing happens. If you get lucky and score big, like 100K or more, do pay the taxes.
Yes, there's around ten big venues and ten smaller slot halls.
These are some of the most popular venues:
This is still a gray area, and cryptocurrency gambling is NOT REGULATED in Nicaragua. The law at present remains silent on cryptocurrencies.
Does that mean you can't gamble at crypto casinos? Not at all. Many Bitcoin casinos and other cryptocurrency gambling platforms accept players from Nicaragua.
The table below showcases the key movements in the industry.
| Year | Events |
|---|---|
| 1979-2001 | Gambling in Nicaragua was illegal. |
| 2001 | The government legalizes gambling in Nicaragua. All forms of gambling are legal. |
| 2011 | Casino Control Act. Special Law 766 comes into force. Ministry of Tourism starts to manage gambling. Online gambling is re-regulated to combat the upsurge of illegal casinos. |
| 2014 | The Ministry of Finance and the Financial Analysis Unit take jurisdiction over gambling. The Casino Control Council is born. |
| 2015 | Government adopts new legislation - decree 6/2015. |
The rules for operating casinos in Nicaragua are becoming stricter. Each new legislation tightened the ship. At the same time, the country's officials are aware of the importance of the gambling market. In such a situation, it's difficult to foresee what the future will bring.
Here's your 101 to Nicaraguan online casino sites:
