While Cuba once hosted a thriving casino industry under Batista, all forms of commercial gambling—including sports betting—were abolished by decree in October 1960 following the Revolution’s nationalization of private casinos (2). The current Cuban legal framework contains no provisions authorizing sportsbooks, reflecting a complete ban on regulated betting operations (2).
Enforcement falls to the Ministry of the Interior’s law-enforcement agencies, which maintain a specialized Robberies and Gambling Department within the national police to investigate any illicit gaming activities (2). Attempts to organize or facilitate sports wagering can result in administrative penalties or criminal charges under general prohibitions on games of chance.
"Cuban law does not specifically address online or informal sports betting, but it is universally assumed to be illegal under the nationwide ban on gambling—pushing many Cubans to unregulated and potentially unsafe betting channels." (1)
Despite the outright prohibition, informal sports pools persist—often run clandestinely through social networks or private associations. These underground markets carry significant legal risk, as participants may face fines or prosecution without any consumer protections or dispute-resolution mechanisms (1).
Given the absence of a legal sportsbook framework and stringent enforcement, sports betting in Cuba remains entirely illicit. Visitors and residents alike should be aware that any form of wagering on sporting events operates outside Cuban law.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-cuba/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Bureau_of_Investigation
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
