Peru surpasses 4,500 authorised betting establishments after a regulatory push
Over the past few months, Peru has added 683 new sports betting shops, bringing the total number of authorised establishments to 4,516 and complying with gambling regulations throughout the country. This growth responds to a formalisation strategy promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (), which aims to turn Peru into a regional benchmark in terms of regulation and control of gambling.
The sector experienced a crucial change starting in February 2024, when Law No. 31557 officially took effect. Thanks to this legal framework, Peru became the third country in Latin America to establish clear regulations for sports betting and remote gaming. This legislation has not only boosted the opening of new physical venues but has also invigorated the digital ecosystem, generating confidence among operators and users.
Regulation and enforcement: the new standard
The implementation of Law No. 31557 has been key to professionalising the online and land-based gaming sector. Since its approval, Mincetur has authorised 60 technological platforms, registered 280 service providers and accredited nine international certification laboratories. These actions have allowed the creation of a regulated and transparent environment where trust and security are a priority.
The impact of the regulation has also impacted the fight against illegal gambling. The has intensified its inspections and closed down unauthorised establishments. In addition, thanks to collaboration with payment providers and financial institutions, access to services for unregulated operators has been blocked. This has led to the elimination of 15% of illicit sports betting websites.
Responsible gambling and risk prevention
A firm commitment to the promotion of responsible gambling has accompanied the growth of the sector. Mincetur has launched campaigns to raise awareness of gambling addiction in educational institutions and has offered training to companies in the industry. Inter-industry collaboration has been essential to protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring a safe environment for all users.
These initiatives seek to regulate the activity and also foster a culture of responsibility and prevention of the risks associated with gambling. The objective is clear: to consolidate a sustainable model where economic development goes hand in hand with social protection and transparency.
New taxes and investment opportunities
Regulatory progress has also brought new developments in the tax sphere. The Peruvian government has implemented the Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) for online gambling and sports betting. According to Decree No. 008-2025-EF, the tax rate will start at 0.3% until 30 June and rise to 1% on 1 July 2025, indefinitely. The goal of this proposal is to gradually modify the tax burden in an industry that is still expanding.
The formalisation and regulation of the sector have opened up new investment opportunities, strengthening tax collection and contributing to the country’s economic development. The growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in March, with an increase of 4.67%, reflects the positive impact of these policies on the national economy.
Peru seeks to consolidate an effective balance between regulation, supervision and promotion of responsible gambling, with the aim of positioning itself as a benchmark in the gaming industry. The country is moving towards a model that combines the growth of the sector with the protection of users and institutional strengthening. This trend reflects the commitment of several Latin American countries to demonstrate that it is possible to promote the development of gambling without neglecting transparency, security and consumer welfare.
This article was first published in Spanish on 26 May 2025.
