Peru reports 40% drop in illegal gambling sites amid regulatory push
Peru has seen a 40 percent reduction in illegal gambling platforms operating online, following strong regulatory action by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur). The drop reflects the impact of Law No. 31557, which came into effect in February 2024, and aims to bring the country’s online gambling market under proper supervision.
from the Peruvian market. This effort involved cooperation with banks and payment providers, who were instructed to block transactions linked to unlicensed operators.
Legalisation and market oversight
The new law made Peru the third Latin American country to introduce clear rules for online sports betting and remote gaming. Since its launch, 60 digital platforms and 280 service providers—including companies like Stake, Betsson, and Rush Street Interactive—have been authorised. Additionally, nine international labs have been accredited to certify operations.
The law gives the government the power to monitor the sector, protect consumers, and ensure licensed operators pay taxes. Mincetur stated that ongoing evaluations are in place to keep improving the system.
Rapid growth in legal gambling sector
Since December 2024, 683 new betting venues have been registered in Peru, bringing the total to 4,516 across the country. This rise shows that more businesses are trusting and joining the legal, regulated market.
Along with its enforcement efforts, the ministry is also working to promote responsible gambling. It has started awareness programmes in schools about gambling addiction and is providing training for people working in the gambling sector. It is working closely with gaming associations to help protect vulnerable groups and promote safer gambling environment.
Economic outlook and tax measures
Peru’s gambling sector is expected to generate $2.5 billion in revenue in 2025. In April, the government introduced a Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) on online gaming and sports betting, set at 1% starting in July. Although the aim is to increase public revenue, some operators have expressed concern that the new tax could lead to technical challenges and reduce the market’s appeal.
Gonzalo Pérez, CEO and Partner of , also highlighted the challenges posed by the ISC. He said, “Both taxes come into force in January 2025, which in the case of the selective tax will be very difficult or impossible to comply with because, as the regulation says, the obligation arises at the moment the bet is made (debit from the user account). In order to transfer it to the player, the technological platform must be modified, re-certified in a laboratory, and re-approved before Mincetur, which will take between 8 and 12 months.”
With the , Peru has emerged as a regional leader in online gambling regulation. According to Mincetur, these steps are helping create a fair, transparent, and well-regulated betting environment, encouraging investment while protecting the public.
