At GAT Expo Cartagena 2025, Georges Didier, Regional Director for Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), delivered an in-depth analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks across Latin America’s online gaming and sports betting markets. His presentation offered a detailed country-by-country breakdown, providing operators, suppliers, and investors with essential insights into one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
Brazil: The Sleeping Giant Awakens
- Population: 220 million; Internet penetration: 86.6%.
- Three levels of licensing: Federal, state, and municipal.
- Federal licenses are managed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting; 82 operators are currently licensed.
- State licenses operate independently; states like Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Ceará have their own rules.
- Requirements:
- Minimum entry fee: $6 million for 5 years and 3 brands.
- Data centers must be located in Brazil or countries with judicial cooperation treaties.
- Mandatory biometric registration for players.
- Certification requirements for platforms, payment methods, and software.
- Geolocation compliance within state boundaries.
Peru: Structured and Accelerating
- Population: 30 million.
- Two separate licenses: online casino and sports betting (both online and retail).
- 108 licenses issued; 60–65 operators currently active.
- Requirements:
- Financial guarantee: 600 UIT (~$750,000) per license.
- 12% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) plus a minor consumption tax.
- Mandatory provider registration and pre-approval of platforms.
Paraguay: Liberalization in Progress
- New Law 748/2024 opened online markets for lotteries, sports betting, and casino games.
- Sports betting shifted from a monopoly to up to three licensed operators.
- Licenses now available at national, departmental, and municipal levels.
Argentina: Fragmented but Thriving
- Federal structure: each province regulates independently.
- Highlights:
- Buenos Aires City: 2 operators.
- Buenos Aires Province: 6 licensed operators.
- Córdoba: 24 operators undergoing licensing.
- Mendoza: recently completed licensing process.
- Challenges include different technical standards and fragmented oversight.
Ecuador: Emerging Market
- Population: 18.3 million.
- In December 2024, a decree assigned sports betting regulation to the Ministry of Sport.
- Requirements:
- 15% tax on gross income.
- Monthly settlement obligations.
- No restrictions on foreign-constituted companies.
Chile: Regulation on the Horizon
- No official regulation yet.
- Advanced legislative discussions point towards an upcoming law.
- Once passed, the Superintendence of Casinos will oversee online betting and gaming platforms.
Key Takeaways from GLI’s Georges Didier
Didier emphasized that Latin America is moving toward greater formalization, but regulatory models remain diverse. He advised:
- Regulations must be clear, transparent, and technically realistic.
- Data protection, player integrity, and responsible gaming frameworks are essential.
- Harmonization between jurisdictions will become increasingly important for cross-border operations.
GLI’s role remains central, providing certification, technical consultation, and compliance expertise as jurisdictions modernize.
Cited Data Snapshot
- Brazil expected to reach $1.5 billion in GGR by 2026.
- Peru’s regulated online market projected to grow 20% annually through 2027.
- Argentina’s Buenos Aires Province alone generated $300 million in online betting turnover in 2024.
Latin America offers high growth potential, but regulatory navigation is critical. As Didier concluded: "Understanding each market's technical and legal requirements is the key to sustainable success."
