Peru’s MINCETUR Sets High Compliance Bar for Remote Gaming and Sports Betting

Peru has shifted from debating online gambling regulation to operating one of Latin America’s most closely watched licensing regimes. In a detailed interview, Yuri Guerra, General Director of Casino Games and Slot Machines at Peru’s tourism ministry (MINCETUR), outlined the regulator’s achievements, persistent challenges, and roadmap for the rest of 2026.

47 authorisations for remote sports betting and 45 for remote gaming have been granted. 349 providers are now registered across platforms, odds compilers, payment gateways and identity verification systems, supported by eight accredited testing laboratories. These results earned MINCETUR the Regulator of the Year title in 2025 from the International Masters of Gaming Law. Guerra sees this as validation that Peru “regulates effectively, consistently, and credibly,” not simply that it has rules on the books.

Maintaining Standards While Addressing Competitiveness

Guerra made clear that competitiveness will not be improved by lowering the existing compliance requirements of prior authorisation, platform homologation, audits, traceability and responsible gambling obligations. The focus instead lies on clearer technical interpretations, tighter coordination between institutions and the removal of redundant burdens that do not advance oversight goals.

On the Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) introduced via Legislative Decree 1644, Guerra acknowledged operator concerns that an uncompetitive burden could push activity toward unlicensed platforms. MINCETUR is monitoring this risk jointly with the Ministry of Economy and Finance through technical working groups. The broader channelisation approach, combining authorisation rules, technological controls and direct enforcement, has delivered a 40% reduction in illegal gambling offerings to date. Enforcement actions through 2025 included closing seven illegal casinos and slot parlours plus thirteen unauthorised sports betting sites, with 557 slot machines destroyed. Operations continued in 2026 across multiple regions, shutting seven unlicensed remote betting operations and two slot parlours. Website, IP and app blocking by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, together with actions via INDECOPI, form part of a layered response that also targets offshore platforms, VPNs and alternative payment methods.

Priorities for the Remainder of 2026

Guerra identified four priorities: deepening technological oversight and traceability of remote gaming and betting, intensifying enforcement against illegal digital and physical operations, refining the regulatory framework as the market evolves, and preserving Peru’s international standing as a benchmark jurisdiction. Real-time monitoring of all licensed remote activity is positioned as a core feature of this plan. He expressed a long-term vision of legality becoming the norm while supporting innovation and economic growth.

The interview, reported by G3 Newswire, underscores that Peru’s model relies on predictable processes around a strict compliance framework rather than any relaxation of standards. Offshore access remains a dynamic challenge, yet the regulator’s emphasis on multi-layered controls and data-sharing protocols signals continued tightening rather than easing of oversight.

Reporting: Peru’s regulator raises the bar for online gambling (g3newswire.com)