Betting Sites in Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country in the western-central part of South America. After many years under Spanish rule, a 16-year-long war followed. With the leading figure of Simon Bolivar, it ended with a revolution and the establishment of the Republic in 1825. Eventually, many turbulent years followed until the democratic transition in 2002. Bolivia is still a developing country, yet, one of the fastest-growing economies in South America. Football is very popular countrywide, with clubs like Bolívar and The Strongest having a huge fan base.

As for gambling, it was illegal in all its forms between the 1930s and the early 2000s. Initially, in 2002 and then in 2010, with the Law on Lottery and Gambling Games, it became legal again. Online gambling still falls under no law; so it is a rather grey area. However, for locals who place online bets, no restrictions apply. With no locally licensed betting sites in Bolivia, players opt for major international bookmakers.

Top Bolivia Betting Sites

We have checked through and decided upon the best Bolivia betting sites to save you the hassle. They stand out in terms of football odds, daily offers and localised interface.

Betting in Bolivia - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  The legal gambling age is 18
• 2
  All forms of land-based gambling are legal
• 3
  After a long ban, the first casino was given a license again in 2002
• 4
  Access to online bookies is practically free
• 5
  The taxation is very high for operators, at 30%

General info

⏩Population: 11.500.000

⏩Active players: 1.400.000

⏩Currency: Boliviano (BOB)

⏩Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, lotteries, casinos

⏩Operator types: Land-based betting shops & casinos, unlicensed online bookies & casinos

⏩Designated authority: Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ)

⏩Status: Semi-regulated

Online Gambling in Bolivia: Is It Legal?

Bolivians have always had a passion for sports. Moreover, gambling has been part of their everyday life too. After many years of instability; all forms of gambling apart from the lottery were banned in 1938. It was only in 2002 that the first casino gained a license. Nowadays, the 2010 n.060 Bolivian gambling law and the 2015 n.717 revision regulate gambling in the country. Many casinos operate in major cities, as well as betting shops.

However, the laws only apply to brick-and-mortar operations. Moreover, there are no licensed local bookies, and no appropriate process is in place for online operators. The regulatory body, Autoridad de Fiscalización del Juego (AJ), is overseeing all procedures. Taxation falls heavily on land-based operators, at 30%. This intended to limit the huge numbers of gambling establishments that were opening up; amid fears of money laundering practices.

Lastly, there are no legal provisions covering online gambling in Bolivia. Consequently, there are no restrictions either. Players are practically free to access any bookmaker they want.

Essential Information for Bolivian Bettors

There are many betting shops and many casinos across major cities. Plus, there are absolutely no restrictions for those who access Bolivian betting sites. The regulator, AJ, is very lenient towards online gambling. Therefore, you only have to stick to reputable online bookies. For the land-based sector, the tax on winnings is 15%.

If authorities decide to apply it to online winnings, too, is yet to be decided. Up till now, there have been no reports of prosecuting players or blocking access to specific sites.

How to Deposit at Online Bookies

In the absence of restrictions and with many international bookmakers available; online betting in Bolivia is very easy for locals. Players can freely use credit cards and bank wire. No bookies are offering local currency (BOB), but you can always open a USD account.

On top of that, you may use e-wallets like Neteller, Skrill and Ecopayz, which all offer their services in Bolivia. With these, you will maintain your anonymity and get fast and safe transactions. Cryptocurrencies are also widely accepted for online gambling, as you can find many Bitcoin, Ethereum, or even DogeCoin betting sites. 

The Future of Gambling in Bolivia

It's crucial to see if, eventually, the Bolivian government will regulate the online gambling sector as well. AJ’s executives have openly debated the need to regulate the online landscape, too, in 2020. However, the high taxation is something that should be reconsidered. That’s because online operators will not be very happy with the 30% tax; that already applies to land-based ones. The next few years are going to be important in order to see how the online environment will eventually shape up.

Gambling in Neighbouring Countries

If you are on a trip to Bolivia or reside in it, you might be considering visiting a new country. And because regulations can change a lot across any border, let's take a look at the gambling atmosphere in the neighbouring countries:

⏩ Brazil: With the exception of some bookie shops for horse tracks, gambling is outlawed in Brazil, and new legislation has been awaited to regulate the market. This is why unlicensed online bookmakers are the last resort for locals. The Brazil betting sites constitute 70% of the $1bln market. 

⏩ Peru: The country has a regulated market made of physical shops, while both foreign-licensed and unlicensed bookies are accessible to Peruvians without any obstructions. Feel free to visit any of the Peru betting sites or land-based sports betting, lotteries, or casinos. 

⏩ Chile: If you want to join the fever of football or tennis betting in Chile, you will be able to do so in any bookie or casino in Chile. But the Semi-Regulated market is open for tourists and locals online. The Chile betting sites have absolutely no restrictions and are among the country's favourite gambling options.