In 2025 Bolivia’s Autoridad de Juegos (AJ) expanded regulatory control by issuing 1,226 gambling licenses, stepping up raids on illegal venues and closing promotional loopholes that previously let operators avoid AJ oversight.
What the 2025 licensing and enforcement sweep looked like
AJ recorded 1,226 licenses issued in 2025; the authority did not publish a public split between B2C and B2B permits, so operators should not assume all licenses carry the same privileges or conditions. At the same time AJ’s enforcement teams raided 82 unauthorized gambling venues, confiscated 119 devices and ordered the destruction of 230 illegal machines—operations concentrated in peri-urban zones such as Cochabamba, where informal arcades have proliferated.
Those enforcement actions arrived after AJ achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, a formal step the regulator says standardizes its procedures and raises inspection consistency across regions. Practically, that means faster documented case files and clearer grounds for sanctions, which operators can expect to see in AJ public notices and enforcement reports during 2025 and beyond.
How promotion rules changed—and what operators can no longer do
AJ revised promotional rules so that any modification to a “permanent” business promotion—defined in current guidance as a campaign running unchanged for more than three years—now requires explicit AJ authorization. The previous informal exemption for long-running campaigns has been removed, so tweaks to mechanics, eligibility or prize structure can trigger a review even if the campaign is longstanding.
Another targeted change closes the points-club loophole: points accrued in loyalty programs may no longer be transferred or validated across different promotional activities. AJ also clarified that fees labelled as “payment for participation rights” do not exempt a promotion from scrutiny (club membership fees or affiliation charges no longer create an automatic exclusion). Importantly, authorization from other sector regulators does not substitute for AJ approval—operators must secure AJ sign-off in addition to any other permits.
Concrete operator obligations: age checks, presence, taxes and prize rules
Licences now carry explicit operational conditions. Operators must verify that customers are 18 or older, maintain a physical presence in Bolivia, provide financial guarantees to cover liabilities, and meet responsible-gambling standards set by AJ. Tax rules are also codified: land-based casinos face a 30% gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax while online platforms are taxed at 25% GGR, and licensing fees remain separate from those percentages.
Prize handling is more prescriptive than before: vouchers or coupons redeemable for registered prizes are now forbidden; fragile items require replacement stock; and perishable prizes must either have at least one month of validity or be donated at equivalent value to the National Lottery (LONABOL). These rules limit creative prize structures that previously blurred the line between promotions and unregulated commerce.
Practical decisions for operators and compliance checkpoints
If you run or market gambling services in Bolivia, treat this as a three-part checklist: (1) review any promotion older than three years and submit modification notices where applicable; (2) confirm your corporate structure demonstrates physical presence and the financial guarantees AJ requires; (3) adjust tax projections to reflect 30% GGR for venues and 25% for online operations. Missing one of these elements raises the risk of enforcement action—AJ’s raids in Cochabamba and other regions show the regulator will pursue noncompliance on the ground.
| Requirement | Land-based | Online |
|---|---|---|
| GGR tax | 30% | 25% |
| Physical presence | Required | Required |
| Promotions: modification to permanent activity | AJ authorization required | AJ authorization required |
| Points transfer between promotions | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| 2025 enforcement snapshot | 82 raids; 119 devices confiscated; 230 machines destroyed (notably in Cochabamba peri-urban areas) | |
Quick Q&A
When do existing promotions need AJ approval? Any substantive modification to a promotion classified as “permanent” (running unchanged for over three years) must now be authorized—submit before altering mechanics, prizes, or eligibility.
Does a permit from another regulator avoid AJ review? No. AJ has made it explicit that other sector authorizations do not exempt operators from AJ oversight or promotional approvals.
What should trigger a pause or redesign of a campaign? If the campaign allows cross-promotion point transfers, redeems vouchers for registered prizes, or charges participation fees framed as exemptions, you should pause and consult legal counsel or AJ guidance before continuing.
