Gambling and betting are ancient traditions deeply rooted in the culture of Guatemala, a mountainous country in the far north of Central America that was once the heart of the Mayan civilization. The fondness for gambling and chance is more present than ever in the population, so much so that, despite the archaic laws that prohibit games of chance, except for the lottery, there are several physical casinos, bingo halls and sports betting houses that operate semi-officially throughout the territory.
The absence of a regulatory framework for Internet gambling also allows Guatemalans to access the websites of foreign operators and play for real money. And although there have been multiple attempts to bring order to this sector, all have failed, so it remains unregulated. Here are the best casino sites in Guatemala for 2023.
Gambling legislation is very outdated. The law that prohibits gambling dates back to 1956. Since then, there have been numerous attempts to reform or update it, but so far they have been unsuccessful. Gambling remains illegal in most of its forms to this day.
However, there are game rooms enabled in the country. They are mainly intended to promote tourism, which is why they are usually found in hotel properties. The casino sector has been demanding for some time the implementation of a clear law that contemplates its activity.
As for online gambling, it is not contemplated in any legislation. That is why the only parameter to measure the security of virtual operators is international licenses. These are issued by institutions such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.
Gambling games date from time immemorial in the country, but they have never had the support of government authorities. That is why the industry is somewhat neglected. In recent years, there have been many attempts to regulate the sector, but they have not been successful.
In 2013, the Economy Commission approved a project, but it was later shelved. In 2017, the Special Verification Institute (IVE) asked to deal with some points of gambling legislation, but the initiative has not advanced. The Superintendency of Banks also believed that the issue had to be addressed.
According to a sector of the Guatemalan government, online casinos are a means of money laundering. The operators that we have listed in our ranking have security measures, such as identity verification, that tend to reduce these risks.
In any case, there is no doubt that regulation on online gambling would be decisive to prevent these money laundering and capital flight. Perhaps in the medium term, the issue will become relevant on the official agenda.
Games of chance are illegal and therefore it is also prohibited to play online since there are no registered virtual casinos in Guatemala. However, as said before, the players who frequent foreign online casinos are numerous, since they take advantage of the fact that international gaming rooms accept bets from Guatemalan users. It must be said that a law is being breached and in the event that the user is the victim of a scam by a foreign casino, he will not be able to claim that his rights are respected because he would be denouncing himself. However, in this period, the Guatemalan government is considering the possibility of regulating the gambling sector and thus dealing with money laundering related to illegal gambling that is beginning to reach worrying dimensions.
Is Online Casino Legal in Guatemala?
In Guatemala, gambling is illegal even on the internet. Similar to what happens in other Central and South American nations, in Guatemala, there is also a lack of regulation regarding online gambling.
In reality, the government of the Guatemalan republic prohibits, based on an already obsolete law that dates back to 1956, any form of gambling and punishes those who violate these rules with fairly high fines and even prison sentences. However, the reality is that gambling is quite massive in Guatemala and despite the authorities’ prohibitionist attitude, it is often played publicly and the law is largely ignored.
Anyone who likes to explore games of chance must have seen that, on the internet, there is a multitude of bookmakers and casino sites in Guatemala. Below, there are some important tips on how to choose the best online casino to play in Guatemala and make your decision safely and properly. Check out the main points that should go into your analysis:
The first step to being successful in choosing the best online casino is to check the licensing issue. You need to know if the site you are interested in is licensed and regulated internationally, which will give you more confidence when betting and exploring online gambling.
When looking at security, you also need to check if the website operates with cyber protocols such as SSL technology. Other precautions such as data protection and participation in frequent audits by external bodies are also extremely welcome to the bettor. Not to mention the presence of trusted casino game providers around the world.
When choosing the best casino site in Guatemala, looking at the customer service format is essential! A good online casino should preferably have 24-hour customer support, which can also serve the user by various means (telephone, email, and live chat).
That’s because there are players who prefer to access online casinos in the morning, or even at dawn. And the most recommended attitude is that the site has constant support to help the bettor whenever necessary. After all, it is the support agents who help in cases of problems such as payments, checks, or frequent questions.
The good news is that the best online casinos in Guatemala provide this type of service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or, they serve at specific times via live chat but have several other channels. Don’t just be carried away by the beauty of the platform and always be on the lookout!
Choosing a good online casino also involves the matter of paying for game funds and receiving cash prizes. The central idea is this: if the online casino is reliable, then it also works with recognized financial partners such as Visa credit card, MasterCard, and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller.
If you notice that some sites operate with strange, little-known, or limited methods, avoid them as much as possible! It is also worth remembering that the best casinos in Guatemala and in the world offer bonuses and immense flexibility for payments and withdrawals, which should always be observed in your decision-making process.
In addition to the basics, such as certification, security, and good user support, other points have to be taken into account when choosing an online casino. And one of these is the bonuses and promotions for casino games.
To start your experience off on the right foot, the online casino welcome bonus must be attractive. However, it is also important that the house includes frequent offers for those who are loyal players. Several online casinos also offer VIP loyalty programs with special benefits. If you intend to play all the time, it is highly recommended to keep this in mind.
The user experience is important when making a decision, especially if we are talking about mobile devices. Navigation through the site has to be simple and responsive, regardless of whether the goal is to play via desktop or mobile. Platforms that were designed with the user in mind will be much more attractive in this sense. Take a good look at the layout, design, and responsibility of the platform before choosing which one to register.
Last but not least, it is essential that the bettor choose a site that is full of games that he likes, whether they are slot machines or card games. Look at your favorite category, see if it’s included, and see if there’s a wide variety of options focused on Guatemala.
Here, you have to be extra careful, because some categories (such as video bingo) do not exist in all casinos. Also, look at the providers included in the catalog and see if they are reliable companies. This will maximize your user experience!
Today, the internet is home to an endless number of online casinos for Guatemalan players, with more popping up every month. The problem with so much variety is that not all of these platforms are good or safe, and even the worst ones are capable of scamming you.
That is why it is vital that you develop the necessary skills to distinguish legitimate sites from fraudulent ones.
If you are an inexperienced player, it is not a good idea to sign up at any online casino you see. Before choosing one, the first thing you have to do is investigate its history and read what specialists say about it. There are plenty of review portals on the web where casino reviews are posted describing in detail the most important aspects of these sites.
It is recommended that you take the time to read these writings, and if you see that a trader has poor ratings, run, as you could end up scammed. There are also many guides like this, which include regularly updated lists of safe casinos.
Check the license – It is important that you choose a casino authorized by a regulatory body. A licensed casino meets certain quality standards and complies with the regulations established in its jurisdiction.
As soon as you know where to bet, go to the operator’s website and create an account – registration is free.
Creating an account on an online betting site is a very short process that requires you to fill in a simple form and follow a few equally easy steps. In the registration form, it is necessary to specify the basic data of the user – first name, contact and address. No supporting documents are required to successfully complete the basic procedure. All you need is a form and proof of email address ownership (known as an initial verification). People who are concerned about data interception should choose websites protected by appropriate encryption systems (SSL).
Registering at an online casino requires some basic prerequisites. First of all, the player must be at least 18 years of age. The customer must have an address corresponding to the data on the identification document, an email address, and a telephone number. When entering the data in the registration form, it is worth remembering that the next step is verification. This means that the player will have to prove that the information provided corresponds to the facts. If the form is filled in with incorrect data, it will not be possible to pay the winnings.
You do not need to register to play at an online casino. Just choose a slot machine to play online and run it as a demo. Unfortunately, this is a variant of the game for fun, that is, without the possibility of withdrawing your winnings. Creating a player profile in the online casino registration system gives you much more room to gamble. After registration, the player will be able to transfer funds, ie make deposits and withdrawals, and participate in promotions and loyalty programs.
Naturally, all players who enter casino sites with the intent to earn some money will need to invest some money first. That’s why it is necessary to deposit funds before gambling for real money.
Believe it or not, being able to make a quick, easy and secure deposit or withdrawal is a desired attribute of all online casino sites in Guatemala. That’s why many sites support a wide range of payment methods, from credit and debit cards to bank transfers, e-wallets and digital vouchers. Unfortunately, the Quetzal (GTQ), which is the legal currency in Guatemala, is not usually accepted in online casinos, so you will have to trade in another major currency, such as the US dollar (USD) or the euro (EUR).
Below you will find a list of payment options commonly used by Guatemalan players to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos.
Probably all casino sites that are available to Guatemalan gamblers will offer various welcome bonuses in order to attract new players and reward those who register. Naturally, after registration, it will be possible to claim such bonuses.
Why claiming the bonus is the fourth step is because it is usually necessary to deposit money to claim the bonus. However, sometimes bonuses can be obtained without prior deposits, but such bonuses are rare.
If you are doubting that you will not be able to play your favorite casino games in Guatemala, you may be quite wrong since one of the most attractive attributes in online casinos is their games! This is due to the enormous variety they have, and in this topic you will know which are the most popular in Guatemala. They are:
None of the casinos in Guatemala with real money could be considered "the best" if they do not have the roulette wheels. This game of chance is based on selecting a number or color, depending on the type of roulette, to win, with more than 7 modalities you can have fun betting.
Slots online are exactly the same as the machines found in a physical casino. The difference is that you will be able to choose between unique interactive games and themes with progressive Jackpots. Bets on this title are minimal.
For Guatemalan players, there is no good online casino without Craps. This game of chance is very easy to understand. When you click the roll of the dice, they must be "7" to win. The probability of winning this title is between 35 to 55%.
This game is known among Guatemalans as "Scratch Cards and Win". This game is very easy and intuitive, so if you are a beginner, have fun and win. By placing a bet or buying a ticket and clicking on it, you will see if you are the lucky one. Because the amounts for the bets are minimal, the chances of winning are usually low - between 10 to 35%.
If you think that cards are a difficult game to understand or that they require very well thought out strategies, it is actually quite the opposite. Blackjack or better known as "21" is a game for beginners, where you do not require technical knowledge. The cards will be dealt and you will decide whether to "go" or "stay". If you are 21 or very close, you will win!
Poker certainly could not be absent at safe Guatemala online casinos. And of course, you can bet on it safely if you use our top casinos. In them, there will be bonuses with which you will win real money. This card game requires knowledge and a strategy to avoid defeat. If you do it right, you will have up to a 70% chance of winning.
This game of chance is one of the favorites for Guatemalans. You must buy and select virtual cards where the random numbers will be. Once you do, you can participate until the numbers appear one by one. If you completed the word "BINGO" you are the winner! You should know that there are different modalities of this game. One of the most popular has fewer numbers for quick games.
Since each game offers different rules and a house edge, your chances of winning are highly dependent on the range you choose. Some casino games simply offer better odds than others which make them worth playing. If you want to make a profit while enjoying an exciting casino game, it is best to take into account several important factors such as house edge and Return to Player.
If you are new to casinos, one of the first terms you should be familiar with is the house edge, or margin. Your odds of winning are heavily dependent on this aspect, so to determine the games with the best odds, you should consider this. In general, games that offer a high house edge are not beneficial as they don’t give you a lot of chances to win. The house edge basically indicates the built-in advantage that all casino games have thanks to which all casinos are able to operate and make a profit.
It is also important to mention that you should take into account the Return to Player percentage that shows the expected return on a given casino game. You should know that the most advantageous casino games are the ones that offer a high percentage of return. You are usually able to find this valuable information on the casino website, so be sure to check this out.
In general, the casino games that have the best odds are the ones that have an element of skill. These games give you the chance to influence their outcome simply by applying a strategy. This way you can improve your game, make better choices and gain an edge over the casino site in Guatemala. This is why games like blackjack and video poker have gained even more popularity in recent years. However, it should be noted that games of chance like roulette and craps can also be quite beneficial if you play with the right variation.
When it comes to blackjack, you should know that the classic game offers one of the lowest edges in the gaming industry, if not the lowest. Most blackjack games offer a 99% payback percentage, which gives you a good chance of making a profit in the long run as long as you apply the basic strategy. Some of the most beneficial variations include Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, European Blackjack, Pontoon, Atlantic City Blackjack, and others. However, keep in mind that since each variation offers different rules, the house limit will not be the same.
Video Poker is another game that offers decent odds as you will be highly rewarded if you apply skills. The expected return on some of the best video poker variations like 9/6 Jacks or Better is approximately 99% as long as you apply a reliable strategy. Video poker is often compared to slots, as in land-based casinos the latter game is played on almost every machine.
However, these two games are quite different in many ways and one of the things that sets them apart is their payback percentage. At best, slots offer a payback percentage of 95%. In most cases, the percentage in these games ranges from 75% to 80%, while even the worst odds video poker games offer approximately 94%. If you want to make a profit, it’s better to play video poker than slots.
Another very popular casino game worth mentioning is craps. While it is true that some of the bets in the craps game offer the worst odds as their house edge is as high as 10%, you should know that craps also features a bet whose house edge is zero. The latter is referred to as the odds bet and is perhaps your best option whenever you play craps. In this sense, the greater the amount you can bet on this bet, the better chances you have of winning.
When it comes to dice, it is advisable to mainly put money into single bets such as come/don’t come, check/don’t check, odd bets, and others as in these cases the return to player percentage will be around 99% or even more. This game offers an excellent house edge as long as you choose to stick with single bets only.
Roulette is an all-time favorite that offers quite favorable odds. However, when it comes to this casino game, you should know that there are many variations that have a high house edge. One of them is American Roulette, in which the wheel has two green zero pockets. As a result, this version offers a house edge of 5.26% which is not so favorable. This is why you are better off playing European Roulette, which RTP has 97.30%.
Last but not least, baccarat is also among the most famous games for offering decent odds, regardless of the fact that it is a game of chance. In this game, you can choose between three bets, and, in order to increase your chances of winning, you must bet on the bet that offers the best odds. Statistically speaking, the bet that offers the lowest house edge is the Banker – 1.06% and therefore it is best to opt for it whenever you play baccarat. The second best bet is the bet of the player whose house edge is estimated at 1.36%.
A welcome bonus is a promotion where casinos give you a percentage of the amount you have deposited. This is a discount bonus that the casino gives you to start playing. Surely the welcome bonuses with deposit are a magnificent offer to try to bring future players closer to the gaming portals, but obviously, these are not the type of promotion for all players because of the particular links to which they are subject.
The Playthrough, the wagering requirements, represent a certain amount of play that you will need to create in order to calmly collect your welcome bonus, otherwise you will not be able to benefit until you meet the requirements.
These are gifts that are accepted only and exclusively when there is a complete conviction about the game methodology that must be respected in order to collect them, once making sure of this the player can start his games calmly.
Due to this characteristic, the bonuses on the first deposit are always a little high, we can say that this is a type of bonus that undoubtedly presents the highest figures, unlike the others. In fact, it goes from a minimum of 50 dollars, up to a maximum of 1000 and more.
Each casino site in Guatemala adopts a different percentage for welcome bonuses, which is usually between 50 and 100% of the amount deposited the first time, but it can go higher. It is up to the player to navigate a bit and see which portal offers you a better offer, taking into account that the promotions change in different periods of the year.
By doing so, the player will have a great chance of having at his disposal an amount that can be double the amount he spent at the beginning, an important incentive for those who are presenting themselves for the first time in the world of online casinos and want to take advantage of this great possibility.
Casino bonuses without immediate deposit are very special welcome bonuses, in the past they were rare, but now it is less difficult to find them, although finding one that gives away money is always a special event. Although online casinos do give them, even with very restricted limitations. Still, No Deposit Bonuses are great promotions that give you the opportunity to start playing, practice and why not win money without first making a deposit.
As it always happens in life, it is difficult to win something for free and it will be even more difficult to win with no deposit bonuses and take advantage of something to put them in our wallets. Naturally, to collect the money that the gaming portals give you, you need to respect the very specific wagering requirements (playthrough or wagering). If there were no requirements, everyone could charge just by registering, causing companies to go bankrupt.
Bonus Free Spins are a very interesting type of bonuses – they give a number of free spins on the slots. No deposit free spins are an alternative to the classic no deposit casino bonuses, one thing that many of the sites confuse. Normally free spins are limited to a single game, typically on slot machines. Sometimes it happens that online casino sites in Guatemala offer free spins on more slots or on all games.
The best casino with free spins is the one that offers you the largest number of free spins and above all allows the largest withdrawal of the winnings that come from the free spins. Some casinos propose a maximum limit on the winnings that come from this type of bonus. Always carefully read the terms and conditions of the bonuses that are given to you.
The characteristic of these bonuses is in the ability of the player to bet the playthrough with the credits or with the free spins that are granted at the time of registration. Don’t use them on a single game and don’t play a few credits at a time, otherwise it will be very difficult to play the entire playthrough.
The advice on how to play the free spins is that you have to play the maximum number of times for the slot machines and seek to increase the total credits. Once you have increased what you have won, play it in games where it is possible to bet higher figures such as roulette, where you can bet up to 20 or 30 dollars (or local currency) at a time, or in video poker, which have the highest payout among all casino games. Note that very often casinos do not allow players to play other games during bonus free spins.
The Super Bonuses, or High Roller bonuses, are those bonuses for players who love to bet important amounts of money. These bonuses can be used to win quite a lot, but it is the most risky type of bonus. These are bonuses offered to the best players, especially from the point of view of banking movements: the more you deposit, the more you play and the higher your VIP level becomes!
Taking advantage of this great offer, you will have a greater chance of becoming part of an exclusive club within the casino. High Roller bonuses are very convenient but require a high initial investment. The peculiarity of the high roller bonuses is the right to enter the chosen casino VIP club: personalized promotions, privileged treatment, gifts, invitations to exclusive tournaments and much more.
Using the high roller bonuses is surely one of the best methods to earn money online, but they serve large amounts of money, especially at the beginning, to obtain them. If you have a high initial budget, or if you have won a lot of money, it is advisable to get one of these bonuses for big players offered by these online casino sites in Guatemala.
A high roller bonus is a first-class game in the world of online gambling, made up of so many privileges, more than the slightly more common normal bonuses, which is why this type of bonus comes to have a very strong charm for users who are facing a choice, whether or not to adhere to this offer.
To play for real money at online casinos in Guatemala, you must make an initial deposit. In this way, you can also access the promotions and bonuses offered by each casino. There are different methods to deposit your money but beware, some casino sites may ask to use the same payment option for both deposits and withdrawals. Therefore, try to find a payment option that is convenient both ways. The most popular options are:
✅ E-Wallets – In Guatemala, the use of electronic wallets has become very common. Two of the preferred ones are Skrill and Neteller, since they not only have the typical advantages of these means, such as information privacy but they are also accepted by most online casino sites.
✅ Prepaid Cards – Prepaid cards have also grown in popularity in recent times, as they have very convenient spending limits and privacy conditions. However, this means of payment does not allow withdrawals, so they are made by bank account. This process can take between two and five days.
✅ Cryptocurrencies – Crypto options such as Bitcoin, for their part, have become very common in the virtual market of Guatemala and the world. It is not conventional money, but alternative currencies. Its value is regulated by the operations carried out by its users, and its security protocols are exemplary.
It is necessary to take into account that each payment method establishes its conditions for deposits and withdrawals. Limits may exist in each case; That is why many casinos have a VIP mode that allows you to play with larger sums.
One of the main differences between a reliable casino and an illegal one is the risk of paying unexpected commissions. The recommended operators on our site do not charge commissions for making deposits or withdrawals. In any case, if any extra cost is required, the user’s approval will be requested.
However, some payment methods may charge fees. For example, some electronic wallets and some credit cards can add value, especially in cases of currency exchange. Even so, serious means of payment detail all these expenses on the invoices.
What Is the Best Payment Option for Guatemalan Players?
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general are a medium that has gained popularity in Guatemala in recent times, thanks to its innovative security system based on blockchains. Skrill is also widely used, as this virtual wallet is extremely practical and never reveals confidential information.
In Guatemala, gambling is illegal even on the internet. Similar to what happens in other Central and South American nations, in Guatemala, there is also a lack of regulation regarding online gambling. In reality, the government of the Guatemalan republic prohibits, based on an already obsolete law that dates back to 1956, any form of gambling and punishes those who violate these rules with fairly high fines and even prison sentences. However, the reality is that gambling is quite massive in Guatemala and despite the authorities’ prohibitionist attitude, it is often played publicly and the law is largely ignored.
The first step to being successful in choosing the best online casino is to check the licensing issue. You need to know if the site you are interested in is licensed and regulated internationally, which will give you more confidence when betting and exploring online gambling.
When looking at security, you also need to check if the website operates with cyber protocols such as SSL technology. Other precautions such as data protection and participation in frequent audits by external bodies are also extremely welcome to the bettor. Not to mention the presence of trusted casino game providers around the world.
Casino sites in Guatemala set different limits when it comes to withdrawals and deposits. Depending on the casino, these can be either high or low, but in most cases, all gamblers from Guatemala can easily deposit any amount, excluding VIP casinos.
Due to the general illegality of gambling in Guatemala, there is no need to report any winnings or pay any taxes for winnings obtained online.
As gamblers from Guatemala will access foreign casino sites only, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general are a medium that has gained popularity in Guatemala in recent times, thanks to its innovative security system based on blockchains. Skrill is also widely used, as this virtual wallet is extremely practical and never reveals confidential information. Such methods take one days tops to withdraw the winnings.
Anyone who likes to explore games of chance must have seen that, on the internet, there are a multitude of bookmakers and casino sites in Guatemala. Finding a single best one is impossible but finding a casino site that will be the best for your is quite possible. There are some important tips on how to choose the best online casino to play in Guatemala and make your decision safely and properly. You can find them in this text.
If you are doubting that you will not be able to play your favorite casino games in Guatemala, you may be quite wrong since one of the most attractive attributes in online casinos is their games! This is due to the enormous variety they have, and the most popular casino games in Guatemala are roulette, bingo, poker, blackjack, slots, and many other classics.
The best casino site in Guatemala with free spins is the one that offers you the largest number of free spins, and above all, allows the largest withdrawal of the winnings that come from the free spins. Some casinos propose a maximum limit on the winnings that come from this type of bonus. Always carefully read the terms and conditions of the bonuses that are given to you.
Probably all casino sites that are available to Guatemalan gamblers will offer various welcome bonuses in order to attract new players and reward those who register. Naturally, after registration, it will be possible to claim such bonuses. However, sometimes bonuses can be obtained without without prior deposits, but such bonuses are rare.
As for the Guatemalan government, it does not have official institutions that deal with this problem. Surely, gambling legislation would have to deal with this issue. In Guatemala there are some non-governmental organizations that accompany the victims of gambling and other addictions. Among them is Gamblers Anonymous, an internationally renowned entity. Its activities aim at the recovery of health and social reintegration.
🔎 Looking for betting sites? Here are the best betting sites in Guatemala.
