Summary: The final outcome or decision based on the analysis, evidence, and arguments presented.
Light Reading: Online Gambling in Peru
Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) has reported a 40% drop in the supply of illegally operated gambling services online, following the implementation of Law No 31557, which governs online sports betting and gaming in Peru.
After a year of enforcing the law, Mincetur updated the public on its progress, welcoming international gambling operators such as Stake, Rush Street Interactive, and Betsson to the Peruvian market. With the new law, Mincetur has authorized 60 technology platforms and registered 280 service providers in the gambling sector.
The Mincetur team has also kicked into high gear to combat illegal gambling. Through the General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines (DGJCMT), they've knocked out 15% of illicit gambling sites and slashed the overall supply of black-market gambling by 40%. The regulatory body has intensified its oversight, closed illegal gambling dens, and coordinated strikes against illicit gambling operators. They've even contacted payment institutions to block transactions to and from these shady operators.
While Peru is making strides, the gambling sector faces new hurdles. A reintroduced consumption tax on gambling transactions will creep up from 0.3% to 1% starting July 1, 2025. While Peru eyes the potential to become the third-largest online betting market in Latin America, some industry experts are concerned that the weight of these taxes could weigh down the industry.
Gonzalo Perez, CEO of Apuesta Total, one of Peru's leading betting companies, fears that the combination of these taxes could drive both players and operators back to the black market—undoing all the good work of the regulation. Legal experts like Nicolás Samohod Rivarola, head of gambling and betting at the Vidal Caceres law firm, share similar concerns, warning that the excessive tax burden could become unconstitutional and force many stakeholders to reconsider whether Peru's market is still worth the headache.
The regulation has created a regulated environment for both operators and users, fostering trust, inviting investment, and digitalizing entertainment. Peru has positioned itself as a regional benchmark for gambling regulation, led by Mincetur, which is proud to enhance the digital sector, strengthen tax collection, and promote responsible gambling.
However, as Mincetur continues to set the pace for gambling regulation, the looming tax changes could significantly impact the industry's future growth. The gambling industry will keep a close eye on how these policies play out, eager to see whether they'll sustain a regulated and thriving online betting market in the coming years.
Fast Facts:
- Peru has witnessed a 40% drop in the supply of illegal online gambling since the implementation of Law No 31557.
- Mincetur has authorized 60 technology platforms and registered 280 service providers since the enactment of the law.
- A new consumption tax on online gambling transactions is set to increase from 0.3% to 1% in July 2025, raising concerns about the impact on the industry.
- The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) has seen a 40% decrease in the supply of illegal sports betting and gaming online since the implementation of Law No 31557.
- Mincetur has welcomed international gambling operators like Stake, Rush Street Interactive, and Betsson to the Peruvian market, authorizing 60 technology platforms and registering 280 service providers in the gambling sector.
- In an effort to combat illegal gambling, Mincetur, through the General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines (DGJCMT), has taken steps such as closing illegal gambling dens, knocking out 15% of illicit gambling sites, and blocking transactions with shady operators.
- Starting July 1, 2025, a reintroduced consumption tax on gambling transactions will rise from 0.3% to 1%, causing concern within the industry that the increase could drive operators and players back to the black market.
- Apuesta Total CEO Gonzalo Perez and other industry experts, such as Nicolás Samohod Rivarola of Vidal Caceres law firm, fear that the new tax burden could become unconstitutional and force many stakeholders to reconsider involvement in Peru's online betting market.
- The regulation has established a controlled environment for operators and users, leading to increased trust, investment, and digitalization in entertainment, making Peru a regional benchmark for responsible gambling and digital sector growth.
