Lima, October 13, 2026. Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) intensified its crackdown on illegal gambling by shutting down six unauthorized establishments in Lambayeque and Huánuco, seizing 44 slot machines and 41 computer devices used for unlicensed sports betting. The operation, officially reported on October 11, brought the total number of illegal gambling venues closed in 2026 to 33.
- Peru shuts illegal betting venues and seizes slot machines in Cusco and Loreto
In Chiclayo, Lambayeque region, inspectors from the General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines (DGJCMT) raided three establishments and seized 32 slot machines.
Meanwhile, in Aucayacu, José Crespo y Castillo district, Leoncio Prado province, Huánuco, authorities shut down three additional venues, confiscating 12 slot machines and 41 computers used to facilitate unlicensed online sports betting. The operations, conducted with support from the Peruvian National Police (PNP), also uncovered slot machines intended for minors, whose operation is prohibited under Peruvian law.
Yuri Guerra Padilla
The regulatory authority is headed by Yuri Guerra Padilla, while Vanessa Gisselle Cabrera Rivas serves as Acting Director of Control and Sanctions. Institutional oversight falls under Minister Rogers Martín Valencia Espinoza, appointed on July 28, 2026, and Vice Minister of Tourism Nancy Aracelly Laca Ramos.
Rogers Martín Valencia Espinoza
The nationwide enforcement figures include 19 illegal sports betting establishments and 14 unauthorized slot machine venues closed during 2026. In July, the cumulative figures stood at 14 betting establishments and six slot machine venues, respectively. The enforcement actions are based on Law No. 27153, governing casinos and slot machines; Law No. 31557, regulating online gambling and sports betting; and Law No. 29149, prohibiting slot machines intended for minors.
Mincetur warns that certain violations may result in prison sentences ranging from one to four years, in addition to administrative penalties. In July, the regulator also announced the blocking of 36 illegal online gambling platforms, while continuing enforcement operations against physical establishments facilitating unauthorized betting.
