Online poker exists in a legal gray area in Venezuela. While land-based gambling is legal and regulated, online gaming has no comprehensive legal framework to control online gambling activities, and it is not essentially banned (1). Many Venezuelans access offshore online gaming sites to play poker, though these websites are not regulated or controlled by Venezuela's government, meaning players using such sites do so at their own risk without legal protection.
The National Commission for Casinos, Bingo Halls, and Slot Machines regulates all gambling activities in Venezuela, setting and monitoring regulations on land-based operations (1). Casino operations are legal and regulated under the 1997 Casino Act, with around 30 venues resuming operations since 2020 as part of a government push to revive tourism (2). The Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace enforces gambling laws, ensuring stipulated regulations are adhered to while working to eliminate illegal gambling activities.
"Online gaming in Venezuela has been sort of a gray area. Without an all-inclusive online gambling law to control online gambling activities, it is not essentially banned."
In 2024, there have been no significant changes to Venezuelan gambling regulations, though the government may pursue reforms to increase revenue given ongoing economic challenges (1). Changes pertaining to online gambling regulation may be one potential route for reform as online betting continues to grow. Several casinos and bingo halls have closed due to the economic downturn, but Venezuela retains a legislative framework allowing regulated betting activities, with any future changes likely linked to wider economic recovery and political stability.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-venezuela/
https://www.softswiss.com/gambling-regulation-map/venezuela/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
