Glossary · The loan itself
Gambling business
In short
Businesses primarily engaged in gambling activities are ineligible for SBA loans. This includes casinos, racetracks, and businesses deriving more than one-third of their gross annual revenue from gambling.
What it means in a deal
If the business you're buying has any gambling component, you need to determine if it crosses the SBA's eligibility threshold. Lenders will check the NAICS code and financial statements to ensure the business is not primarily engaged in ineligible activities. Don't waste time on an ineligible business.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Gambling business
- Can my business qualify if it engages in gambling or adult entertainment?
- Will acquiring a business in a restricted industry (e.g., gambling, passive investing) kill approval?
- Can a business that generates income from gambling, like a casino, get an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Are there specific business types that are generally ineligible for an SBA 7(a) loan, like gambling or speculative ventures?
- Can a 7(a) loan finance the acquisition of a business whose primary revenue is derived from adult entertainment or gambling activities?
- How does the SBA evaluate the eligibility of a business operating primarily in a regulated industry, such as cannabis or gambling, for a 7(a) loan?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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