Sports betting is legal in Venezuela but operates under strict government regulation and control through a limited licensing system. The country is included among the South American nations where online sports betting is legal, according to industry reports, though the regulatory framework remains fragmented with laws dating back to colonial times (1). Venezuela's gambling industry is overseen by the National Commission for Casinos, Bingo Halls, and Slot Machines (CNC), which serves as the main regulatory body responsible for issuing gambling licenses and ensuring compliance with established regulations.
The Venezuelan sports betting market operates primarily through state-run sportsbooks and a small number of licensed private operators that must follow strict guidelines and pay substantial taxes. Sports betting is tightly regulated by the government, with several state-run sportsbooks available where Venezuelans can place bets on various sports events including soccer, baseball, and horse racing (2). The regulatory system requires all land-based casinos and betting shops to obtain proper licensing from the CNC, though this process can be lengthy and costly with high taxes and strict regulations imposed on operators.
"Sports betting is allowed in Venezuela, but it is tightly regulated by the government. There are several state-run sportsbooks where Venezuelans can place bets on various sports events."
Despite the legal framework for sports betting, Venezuela's gambling industry faces significant challenges due to limited licensing and economic constraints. The government imposes substantial taxes on gambling operations, with land-based casinos and betting shops subject to a 30% tax on gross revenue, while players are required to pay a 6% tax on their winnings (2). Online sports betting exists in a gray area, as the government has not explicitly made online gambling illegal but also does not issue licenses for online casinos or betting sites. This regulatory gap has led many Venezuelans to access offshore gambling sites, as the government has not made significant efforts to block access to these international platforms or punish players for using them, creating a complex landscape where legal sports betting operates alongside unregulated offshore alternatives (1).
Source:
https://oddsmatrix.com/sports-betting-countries/
https://legalitylens.com/what-is-the-legality-of-gambling-in-venezuela/
Last updated: 24-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
