Haiti first legalized gambling in 1960 under President François Duvalier’s regime, aiming to spur foreign investment through gaming operations. The decree opened the door to casinos, lotteries, and sports wagering, though enforcement mechanisms were left largely undefined (1).
Subsequent statutes placed strict requirements on land-based casinos, demanding presidential approval and a minimum 200-room hotel affiliation. Few such venues ever materialized, effectively limiting the growth of regulated sports betting despite its legality under the original decree (1).
“Gambling became legal in Haiti in 1960, by decree of President François Duvalier, as an incentive for foreign investment, yet the law stipulated that each casino must be approved by the president and located in hotels with at least 200 rooms, resulting in minimal actual operations.” (1)
Today, there are at least 62 casinos operating—most without proper licensure—and online sports betting remains explicitly prohibited by Haitian law, reflecting a regulatory environment that is legal in principle but weakly enforced in practice (2).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-haiti/
https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2016/vol2/253403.htm
Last updated: 28-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
