Online casinos are legal in Suriname under the country's gambling legislation that was updated in 2021. According to the new internet gambling laws, every type of game that can be played in a physical casino can be played in a digital one as well. Gambling has been legal in Suriname since 1962 under the Wet Hazardspelen 1962 (Gambling Act 1962), and casino licenses were first granted by the national government in 1996 (1).
The Gaming Control Board Suriname (GCBS), established through the Ministry of Justice and Police, serves as the primary regulatory authority responsible for licensing and controlling gambling activities in the country. The GCBS oversees both land-based and online gambling operations, ensuring operators comply with all legal requirements. Online gambling operators must obtain a local license to legally offer their services to Surinamese residents, and offshore operators without local licenses are prohibited from marketing their services in the country (1).
"The Online Gambling market in Suriname is projected to grow by 4.60% (2024-2029) resulting in a market volume of US$6.40m in 2029."
The minimum age for gambling in Suriname is set at 18 years, and all licensed casinos must ensure that underage individuals cannot access gambling activities. The government maintains a balanced approach to gambling regulation, allowing entertainment value while implementing safeguards against potential social risks such as addiction and financial harm. Since 2024, the government has been discussing expanding the sector to boost tourism and revenue, including proposals to increase casino licenses and strengthen online gambling regulations (1). The market shows significant growth potential, with customers increasingly turning to online platforms due to convenience and the availability of mobile gambling options (2).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-suriname/
https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/online-gambling/suriname
Last updated: 20-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
