MONTEVIDEO — Uruguay’s gaming authority has issued a sharp reminder that all forms of unauthorized online gambling remain strictly prohibited, reinforcing its commitment to consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
In an official statement, the Dirección Nacional de Loterías y Quinielas (DNLQ) stressed that only state-approved games and platforms, operated by licensed concessionaires, are legal in Uruguay. Any online gambling services offered without explicit state authorization fall outside the law and may trigger sanctions not only for operators but also for users who participate.
The notice comes amid heightened concern over the growth of offshore betting platforms that target Uruguayan consumers. Authorities underscored that unauthorized platforms pose legal, financial, and cybersecurity risks to the public, including exposure to fraud and loss of player funds.
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The DNLQ also warned the country’s advertising ecosystem: media outlets, agencies, and event organizers are expressly barred from promoting or sponsoring unlicensed gambling operators. This restriction extends to digital ads, email campaigns, billboards, and sports sponsorships, with violations carrying severe financial consequences.
Backed by Law No. 19.535 and Decree No. 366/017, the government holds the power to block websites, disrupt financial flows, and shut down any commercial communications tied to illegal gambling. Penalties for non-compliance are steep, ranging from 10,000 to 20 million indexed units (UI) depending on the severity and prior record of the offender. Currently, the only authorized online product in Uruguay is Supermatch, the state-run sports betting monopoly. Casino-style online games remain prohibited, a regulatory gap that has fueled demand for offshore platforms — but one the government insists must be controlled.
