SBA loan eligibility
SBA Loans for Gambling Businesses?
Gambling Businesses are generally not eligible for SBA 7(a) or 504 loans. Here is why, and the realistic alternatives.
By Mario Bailey · Source: SBA FOIA data, FY2010–2026 (as of 2026-03-31)
Generally not SBA-eligible. Gambling Businesses usually cannot be financed with an SBA 7(a) or 504 loan.
Why gambling businesses are not SBA-eligible
A business that earns most of its money from gambling -- a casino, or any business deriving more than a third of its revenue from gambling -- is not eligible for an SBA loan.
What the SBA rule says
SBA loans cannot go to a business that derives more than one-third of gross annual revenue from legal gambling activities.
What to use instead
A business with only incidental gambling revenue (for example, a small share from lottery sales) may still qualify -- confirm the share with a lender.
Eligibility has edge cases, and rules change. Confirm your specific situation with an SBA-approved lender or run the eligibility checker, and see who qualifies for an SBA loan.
SBA loans for gambling businesses: questions
Can you get an SBA loan for gambling businesses?
Generally no. A business that earns most of its money from gambling -- a casino, or any business deriving more than a third of its revenue from gambling -- is not eligible for an SBA loan.
Why are gambling businesses not SBA-eligible?
SBA loans cannot go to a business that derives more than one-third of gross annual revenue from legal gambling activities.
What can you use instead of an SBA loan for gambling businesses?
A business with only incidental gambling revenue (for example, a small share from lottery sales) may still qualify -- confirm the share with a lender.