Panama lawmakers propose bill to restrict gambling ads

Panamanian lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at tackling gambling addiction, with a focus on protecting minors and restricting industry advertising.

The initiative was presented in the National Assembly by Deputy Raúl Pineda, alongside previous Assembly President Crispiano Adames. 

According to Pineda, the legislation intends to address gambling-related harm by limiting advertising, safeguarding young people and ensuring treatment options for those who develop addiction.

“The addiction to gambling is not entertainment: it is a health problem that requires immediate attention,” Pineda said in a statement on social media. 

He emphasized that the bill seeks to regulate the sector while prioritizing the health and stability of Panamanian families.

The lawmakers argue that regulation must address not only the financial dimension of gambling, but especially its social impact, particularly on vulnerable groups. 

By embedding treatment guarantees within the legislative framework, the proposal goes beyond restrictions and points toward a more systemic public health approach.

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The proposed measures place gambling within the broader framework of public health policy in Panama, reflecting growing concern in the region about the social risks linked to betting and gaming. 

The bill reflects a wider national shift toward consumer protection and responsible gaming practices. The initiative will now move forward in the Assembly for further discussion. 

Alex Rivera

Writer

My goal is to explain how gaming, esports, and betting intersect in ways that readers can actually understand, without stripping away the entertainment that makes the space compelling.

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