Panama collected almost USD 820 million in the gaming sector and keeps on growing

The latest report of the Government Watchdog’s Office on the income of the gaming sector in Panama indicate a collection of USD 819.9 million between January and September 2008, that represent a growth of 20.2% on the same period last year.

According to the head of the Gambling Control Committee in Panama (JCJ), Raúl Cortizo Cohen, “the success of the activity is due to the strong presence of international players in the country”.

The main collections are in casino games, where slots and table games collected USD 568.2 million and USD 202.9 million, respectively. Collection in sportsbooks totaled USD 23 million.

There are 14 casinos, 29 slot halls and 10 sportsbook agencies in Panama in an activity that generates around 3,500 direct employments and 4,000 indirect employments, During September, the state has collected more than USD 18 million in taxes of the sector.