Sports betting operates under a limited legal framework in Honduras where land-based gambling has been regulated since 1977, but online sports betting remains unaddressed by current legislation. The country's gambling activities are governed by the "Ley de Casinos, Juegos de Envite o Azar" (Casino and Gambling Games Law), established through Decree Number 488 of 1977, which specifically regulates casinos and games of chance including roulette, dice, cards, punto y banca, baccarat, slot machines and similar games (1). This foundational law was created to promote tourism development, attract foreign currency to the country, and provide the state with an additional source of income through regulated gambling operations.
The existing legal framework focuses exclusively on land-based casino operations and does not include provisions for online gambling or sports betting activities. Under the current law, only Honduran citizens by birth and legal entities established under Honduran law may apply for gaming licenses through the Secretary of Culture, Tourism and Information, with operations restricted to first-class tourism establishments with fixed investments exceeding one million Lempiras (1). Licensed operators must pay annual taxes of 700,000 Lempiras or 20% of gross income minus prizes paid, whichever amount is greater for the state, except in insular zones where the annual payment is reduced to 300,000 Lempiras.
"There are countries like Honduras and Guatemala that do not address online gambling in their legal framework."
The absence of specific online gambling legislation has created a regulatory gap where digital sports betting operates in an unregulated environment without explicit legal prohibition or authorization. Honduras falls into the category of countries that have not addressed online gambling in their legal framework, leaving online sports betting activities in a legal gray area (2). While land-based gambling establishments require proper licensing and oversight from government authorities, online sports betting platforms operate without formal regulatory supervision, licensing requirements, or consumer protection measures. This regulatory vacuum means that residents can access international online sports betting platforms without legal restrictions, though they also lack the protections that would come with a comprehensive regulatory framework governing digital gambling activities.
Source:
https://www.tsc.gob.hn/web/leyes/Ley_de_Casino_Juegos_Envite_Azar.pdf
https://www.vixio.com/blog/online-gambling-in-latin-america
Last updated: 24-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
