The opening of new gaming halls is fuelling the growth of the industry in Panama, it has been claimed.
Gaming in Panama generated more than $1.4bn in economic activity in 2011, contributing $63.1m in taxes to the state.
The money spent on gaming and gambling is estimated to have increased 17.5 per cent last year.
Antonio Alfaro, president of gaming association ASAJA, said the number of new gaming halls that have entered the market in recent months and concessions granted to new operators by the government are driving growth.
Panama has 26 gaming halls, 16 casinos, 13 sports books, one bingo hall and one horse racetrack. Slot machines account for over 75 per cent of all bets, followed by table games (19 per cent) and horse racing (three per cent).
SAGSE Panama, the gaming show dedicated to the local market, is to take place on June 27-28 and is expected to attract exhibitors from across the world.
