In Laos, all forms of unauthorized gambling—including sports betting—are prohibited under the Penal Code. The law defines “forbidden gambling” as any gambling activity not specifically licensed by the state, and violators may face criminal penalties (1).
The Lao government has not issued any licenses for sports betting operations. In fact, formal permission to operate any gaming business, including casinos, was halted in 2008. This means that no legal framework exists for sportsbooks, and any attempt to organize sports wagers is considered illicit (2).
“In order to guarantee the quality for the business operation; to mitigate and manage the risk that the business operator will use the sports and aerobics as the gambling or other illegal purposes, sports and aerobics shall not involve any gambling or drugs.”
Enforcement agencies regularly monitor and shut down underground betting rings. Without a government-sanctioned licensing system, all sports wagering remains illegal, and participants—both organizers and bettors—risk prosecution under anti‐gambling statutes (1).
Source:
https://laoofficialgazette.gov.la/kcfinder/upload/files/1Oct2020_Lao%20Penal%20Code_English%20version.pdf
https://www.laotradeportal.gov.la/upload/files/157.License_to_Establish_Sports_and_Aerobic_Business.pdf
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
