Peru Takes the Lead in Gambling Regulation Across Latin America

Peru now stands out as a top player in Latin America when it comes to controlling online betting and pushing for responsible gambling. This change came about after Law No. 31557 went into effect. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) brought in this new set of rules in February 2024, and it has made a big difference to how betting works in the country.

New Gambling Laws Help Peru Slash Illegal Online Betting by 40%

With its new legislation, Peru joined Colombia and Argentina as the third country in the area to put in place full rules for digital betting and gaming. In the last year, officials have given the green light to 60 tech platforms and signed up 280 linked service providers. In addition, nine labs from other countries have gotten the nod to make sure safety and rule-following standards are met.

This big change in the rules has helped to cut down on illegal gambling. Mincetur says Peru has managed to reduce the number of unlawful online betting services by more than 40%. About 15% of websites offering unauthorized gambling have been shut down, and banks have been asked to stop financial transactions involving operators without licenses.

The government’s work has formalized physical betting. From December 2024, 683 new sports betting places got registered, bringing the country’s total to 4,516 approved sites. The Directorate General of Casino Games and Slot Machines (DGJCMT), part of Mincetur, has stepped up its enforcement. It is closing illegal shops and working with other authorities to cut down on black-market activities.

Peru Promotes Responsible Gambling but Faces Challenges from Rising Taxes

At the same time, the ministry has invested money in making gambling safer. They have given talks in schools about gambling addiction risks. They have also trained betting companies on creating responsible gaming spaces. Working with industry groups has helped strengthen these plans and spread them further.

Although people have praised the progress in regulations, worries are growing about whether the industry can stay healthy. Experts in the field have expressed concern about a new tax on consumption, which will go up from 0.3% to 1% for each bet in July 2025.

They say this, along with a 12% tax on gross gaming revenue, might put pressure on operators with licenses and could push players back to illegal platforms. Even so, Peru’s current approach has made the country a model for regulations in the area. Countries across Latin America have recognized how Peru balances protecting consumers, overseeing the market, and encouraging investment.