Over 145 Unlicensed Platforms Identified in Nationwide Sweep
Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), the nation’s gambling regulator, has announced a decisive crackdown on unlicensed gambling operators in a bold move to protect the country’s legal gaming landscape. This initiative follows the official implementation of Peru’s new online gambling law, which came into force on February 9, 2024, marking a significant milestone for regulatory oversight in Latin America’s fast-growing betting market.
According to Mincetur, more than 145 illegal gaming and sports betting websites have been identified as offering services without the requisite licenses. The regulator has now formally ordered internet service providers and payment processors to block access to these platforms and suspend any financial transactions linked to them.
Protecting a Market Valued at $1 Billion
The Peruvian online gambling market, projected by Statista to surpass $1 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) by 2027, represents one of Latin America’s most promising regulated sectors. However, Mincetur has underscored that unchecked illegal operations undermine fair competition, weaken player protections, and erode tax revenues critical for public funding.
In a public statement, Minister Juan Carlos Mathews Salazar emphasized, “The purpose of our actions is to ensure that all operators respect the rules, guarantee consumer safety, and contribute fairly to the national economy.”
Implications for Operators and Consumers
Under the new legislation, companies operating without a license face fines of up to S/990,000 (approx. USD 260,000) and potential blacklisting. Licensed operators, meanwhile, are subject to an effective tax rate of 12% on GGR, a move designed to formalize the sector and generate stable fiscal returns.
Looking Ahead
Industry observers view Peru’s actions as setting a precedent for other Latin American regulators as countries like Brazil and Chile continue to advance their own online gambling frameworks.
