“Peru proves that effective regulation can become a driver of development”

The head of Peru’s gambling regulator has reviewed the institution’s performance in 2025, highlighted international recognition, and outlined the country’s approach to tackling illegal online gambling ahead of 2026.

Over the past few years, Peru has consolidated its position as one of Latin America’s leading regulatory benchmarks for the gambling industry. At the centre of this process is Yuri Guerra, head of Dirección General de Juegos de Casino y Máquinas Tragamonedas del Perú (DGJCMT) at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), who has overseen the implementation of a comprehensive regulatory framework covering casinos, slot machines, remote gaming and online sports betting.

In an exclusive interview with Yogonet, Guerra reviews the DGJCMT’s performance during 2025, reflects on the international recognition received by the Peruvian regulator, and explains why effective regulation can act as a catalyst for economic development while strengthening consumer protection.

What is your overall assessment of 2025 for Peru’s DGJCMT?

On 13 February 2025, one year had elapsed since the entry into force of Law No. 31557. During this first year, 60 companies were authorised to operate remote gaming and online sports betting platforms. In the same period, 280 related service providers were registered, and nine international certification laboratories were accredited.

Both Peruvian and foreign companies submitted applications to formalise their operations and obtain the corresponding licences, clearly demonstrating that the regulation of this activity has been successful. The law and its implementing regulations provide greater security for bettors through responsible gaming policies, while also enabling the formalisation of the sector and the generation of regulated economic activity subject to taxation.

The Peruvian regulatory model has since become a regional reference for how responsible entertainment can be balanced with economic growth. With a clear vision and a user-centred approach, Peru shows that effective regulation can become a genuine driver of development, generating tangible benefits for operators and society alike.

Which industry development do you consider the most significant of the year, and why?

The year 2025 proved to be particularly significant for the gambling industry, as it consolidated Peru’s international standing as a jurisdiction with one of the world’s most robust regulatory frameworks for gaming and sports betting.

In September, the Directorate General of Casino Games and Slot Machines at MINCETUR was recognised as the world’s best gambling regulator for 2025. This award is granted annually to a regulatory authority that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and commitment in the field of gambling regulation.

This recognition further strengthens our responsibility to continue protecting players, increasing tax revenues through sector formalisation, and fostering investment. Transparency and legal certainty have played a key role in attracting both domestic and international operators, contributing to job creation, technological development and sustained economic growth.

What are your expectations for the sector looking ahead to 2026?

Peru has positioned itself as a model jurisdiction in gambling regulation, achieving a careful balance between consumer protection, operational transparency and economic development. The current regulatory framework encompasses a wide range of activities, including slot machines, casinos, remote gaming and online sports betting, and is designed to promote sustainable growth across the industry.

In the land-based casino and slot machine segment, strict technical controls have been implemented to ensure fair outcomes and prevent fraudulent practices. In parallel, responsible gaming measures—such as player protection mechanisms and risk awareness tools—have been strengthened. These policies not only safeguard users but also support employment and broader economic development.

Illegal online gambling remains one of the main challenges in the region. How is Peru addressing this issue, looking towards 2026?

Peru has established itself as a regional benchmark for comprehensive gambling regulation through a modern and robust legal framework that protects consumers, ensures transparency in operations and promotes formal, sustainable economic development.

Since February 2024, a total of 5,785 sports betting venues have been registered nationwide. At the same time, the DGJCMT has intensified enforcement actions, closing illegal establishments and coordinating measures aimed at reducing the presence of unlicensed online platforms.

Under Peru’s regulatory framework, only authorised companies are permitted to advertise their products, sponsor clubs, athletes or events, and operate in the market. Likewise, only registered suppliers may provide services—such as payment gateways, game content or betting odds—to licensed operators. Any provider found supplying illegal platforms faces revocation of its registration and a permanent ban from servicing authorised operators.

As a result of this model, 15% of illegal websites have exited the Peruvian market, the supply of illegal gambling on digital platforms and applications has been reduced by 40%, and coordinated efforts with payment service providers and financial institutions are underway to block transactions linked to unauthorised operators. In addition, criminal sanctions for the illegal operation of remote gaming and online sports betting are now fully enforceable under Article 243-C of the Criminal Code.