Peru Issues 700 Sports Betting Licences as Nation Moves to Lead Latin America’s Regulated Gambling Sector

Since December of last year, close to 700 sports betting operators have received official licences in Peru, according to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Trade & Tourism (MINCETUR). This sweeping regulatory push forms part of a broader government initiative to establish Peru as a regional frontrunner in the regulated gambling market, with a particular focus on safeguarding consumers, ensuring market transparency, and stimulating economic expansion.

The licensing drive, which gained momentum after the approval of legalised sports betting in February 2024, has resulted in permits being granted to a total of 4,516 gambling operators. The most recent wave of authorisations includes 60 digital platforms and 280 businesses that provide related services across the gaming industry.

Alongside the licensing progress, authorities have also intensified efforts to curtail illegal gambling activity. According to MINCETUR, these enforcement actions have already led to the closure of 15% of illegal sports betting websites operating within the country. Since the regulatory framework came into force, the number of users engaging with unauthorised platforms has reportedly dropped by 40%.

The regulatory oversight now falls under the General Directorate of Casino Games & Slot Machines, a body that has been granted expanded powers to inspect and shut down unlicensed operations. It is also working in collaboration with financial and payment services to disrupt transactions linked to illegal gambling activity, thereby increasing the barriers to entry for unregulated operators.

Peru’s regulatory approach has already started attracting notable global players. International names like Habanero, BGaming, Bet365, and Stake have all entered the Peruvian market, drawn by the country’s well-structured and investor-friendly gaming laws.

Peru’s trajectory is being closely watched in Latin America, particularly given how the country has leapfrogged older regulatory models in the region. Colombia, which legalised online gambling in 2016, set the initial precedent. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina have since moved to establish similar frameworks. However, Peru’s decisive implementation and clear-cut regulations have now placed it at the forefront of the sector.

From a fiscal standpoint, sports betting in Peru is currently subject to a 0.3% tax, implemented in January 2025. That rate is scheduled to rise to 1% in July as part of the government’s phased strategy to support the sustainable growth of the sector while securing long-term revenue.

Through aggressive regulation, strategic partnerships, and an open-door approach to reputable international firms, Peru is quickly positioning itself as a model for responsible and profitable gambling reform in Latin America.

By fLEXI tEAM