Cuba is one of the Caribbean islands in the northern region of the Caribbean with a history and culture. In January 1, 1959 Fidel Castro orchestrate a revolution that brought down Batista’s government and instituted a socialist state. Interestingly, the Cuban gambling laws are somewhat intricate, yet sports betting is quite common in the country. Here is a post to help you know about betting sites in Cuba, its gambling law history, current legal situation, best online sports betting platform, the best betting sites in Cuba and more.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws in Cuba
Gambling in Cuba has a history which one cannot help but mention. Before 1959, Havana was famously called the “Las Vegas of the Caribbean” having many casinos, racetracks, and cockfighting rings. However, the Cuban Revolution came and turned all that upside down.
- 08 January 1959: Fidel Castro entered Havana.
- October 1960: Castro seized all hotel-casinos and banned gambling of any kind.
- Law 86, 1959: The primary statute that was used in the outlawing of gambling related activities.
Regulatory of Betting Sites in Cuba
Cuban legal systems regulate gambling and the enforcement of these rules is done by the government agencies. While there is no dedicated gambling authority, several bodies oversee related activities;
- The Ministry of Interior of Cuba also known as the Ministerio del Interior.
- National Revolutionary Police (Policía Nacional Revolucionaria).
- General Customs of the Republic (Aduana General de la República)
Permitted and Prohibited Bets
As for Cuba, almost all kinds of gambling are forbidden. Although, betting on sports is not legal, it is rampant especially on baseball and boxing games in this area. Here’s what you need to know;
Prohibited Bets:
- Casino games
- Online gambling
- Bet on sports with the help of offshore companies.
Permitted Bets:
- Friend and family bets that are not placed in a structured manner
Gambling Licenses and Fees
While Cuba has no licensing body for gambling and has no legal casinos or gambling facilities. Therefore, there are no charges or taxes linked with gambling activities in the given society.
The Taxation Options for the Gambling Business
Gambling is forbidden in Cuba and therefore there is no related taxation in the country. Nevertheless, anyone who is found involvement in the unlawful gambling is liable to pay a fine and may be imprisoned.
Best Betting Sites in Cuba
However, due to the legal prohibition, numerous Cubans place bets on the international betting sites. Here are the top three sites favored by Cuban bettors;
Betandyou
Betandyou: Provides a vast collection of sports to bet on such as football, baseball, and basketball besides extending a huge bonus to new members.
Up To £120 + £30 Free Bets
Dafabet
Dafabet: Dafabet is a reliable site that has high odds and good bonuses when it comes to the different sports.
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
22Bet
22Bet: One of the most known sportsbooks for the variety of sports and bonuses for newcomers and regular players.
Up to £122
Major Events in the Cuban Sports
Cuban sports have a rich history, marked by several milestone events;
- 1940s-1950s: Havana and Cuba became gambling cities and became famous tourist destinations.
- 1959: Fidel Castro outlaw gambling after the Cuban revolution.
- 1992: The Cuban athlets perform brilliantly in the Barcelona Olympics and bag 31 medals including 14 gold medals.
- 2000s: Cuban athletes continue to excel in boxing, athletics and volleyball.
- 2024: Cuba continues to engage in sports and acquires many accomplishments recognized around the world.
Celebrating Cuban Sports Stars
Cuba has gifted the world some of the best athletes known to date. Here are a few who have left an indelible mark;
- Javier Sotomayor: A high jumper who set world record and two time Olympic gold medalist.
- Teófilo Stevenson: A three time Olympic gold champion in Boxing.
- Mireya Luis: Three time Olympic champion in the sport of volleyball.
Gambling Laws in Neighboring Countries
To give a general overview, the following is the analysis of the gambling laws and regulatory bodies in three neighboring countries;
Jamaica
- Year Established: 1965
- Main Legislation: This paper takes into account the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act.
- Regulatory Agency: Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission.
Dominican Republic
- Year Established: 2006
- Main Legislation: Casino and Betting Houses Act
- Regulatory Agency: Directorate of casino and betting houses
Puerto Rico
- Year Established: 1948
- Main Legislation: An Act to Enact the Puerto Rico Casino Control Act
- Regulatory Agency: The following is an example of Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Conclusion
Gambling has always been a significant aspect in Cuban culture and the whole operation of gambling is quite profuse. While the laws are still rigid, the interest in the sport and especially in betting has not faded away in the population. Thus, the existing legal framework of gambling and the development of sports culture would help identify the potential of the market.
FAQs: Betting Sites in Cuba
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