Social Media Bingo, JCJ’s Headache

The National Director of the Gaming Control Board, Manuel Sánchez, highlighted the role of this sector during the Seventh Ibero-American Gaming Summit.

According to the official, the gaming industry in Panama has taken important steps in terms of regulation, as happened with online gamewhich now generates income for the Panamanian state.

In this sense, the expectation is also focused on being able to put an end to it secret games which take advantage of the benefits of digital payment channels to continue business, without generating contributions to the state.

Sánchez emphasized that the support of banking entities is crucial for this. According to the director, he keeps going to the banks asking for action to be taken against the accounts that hold the secret bingo funds, but to no avail because even though they are closed, they are later reopened.

Additionally, he emphasized that accounts promoting games on social networks should be considered illegal and have no guarantees, so a person could be the subject of fraud.

Sánchez emphasized that the funds raised can support various social activities such as soccer leagues, journalism programs and contributions to the national team.

In addition, he explained that this sector is one of the 10 largest economic contributors to the national treasury, contributing more than 80 million dollars in revenue annually, and generating more than 10,000 direct permanent jobs.

On the other hand, he mentioned the creation of Office for Responsible Gamingwith the aim of providing expert help to compulsive gamblers through a suitable psychologist.

Likewise, they keep a close watch on compliance with the regulations on gamblers and their entry into betting shops.

The summit was attended by exhibitors from 16 countries such as Colombia, Argentina, Paraguay, Portugal, Bolivia and Puerto Rico.