Online poker is legal in Nicaragua since 2011 under the Special Law for the Control and Regulation of Casinos and Games Rooms (Special Law No. 766). While the industry is regulated, there is no license acquisition process specifically for online operators, meaning most online gambling occurs through offshore sites not restricted by local laws (1). The government has no list of restricted websites and does not punish foreign companies for offering services to Nicaraguan residents.
Land-based poker is legal in licensed casinos throughout Nicaragua, which have been operating since the government legalized gambling in 2001. In 2014, management of gambling activities was transferred to the Ministry of Finance as part of broader efforts to increase state revenue (1). Casino licenses cost $2,000, with operators paying monthly taxes of $25 to $50 per slot machine and $400 per table game.
"In 2014, the management of gambling activities was transferred to the Ministry of Finance. This step was part of the broader program of the state to raise its income in the gambling business."
The Ministry of Finance oversees casino licensing through Nicaragua's Treasury, with the Financial Analysis Unit establishing a Casino Control Council to ensure international standards are followed. The minimum gambling age is 18 years for both online and land-based activities (2). The 2011 law created four classes of gaming establishments based on population, with operators required to have at least 10 slot machines to obtain licensing.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-nicaragua/
https://lcb.org/restrictions/nicaragua
Last updated: 09-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
