Peru is shaking up its gambling oversight. A fresh move by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) could reshape the way online betting is authorised and tracked—marking a pivotal shift for an industry that’s grown fast but largely unchecked.
This week, the government rolled out a new directorate dedicated entirely to the regulation of online gaming and remote sports betting. It’s all part of a broader attempt to modernise the ministry and keep pace with a sector that’s long outgrown the old playbook.
A Structural Shake-Up Years in the Making
For years, online betting and digital gaming in Peru were operating in a grey zone—lucrative, but loosely policed. Now, that era seems to be coming to a close.
The new Directorate for the Authorization and Registration of Remote Gaming and Remote Sports Betting has been formally established under Supreme Decree No. 004-2025-MINCETUR. It replaces the decades-old organisational structure, dating back to 2002.
The move is part of a much broader overhaul of the ministry’s Regulations on Organisation and Functions (ROF). Officials say the change isn’t just cosmetic. It’s about streamlining oversight and keeping up with today’s regulatory needs.
One senior Mincetur source, who asked not to be named as they weren’t authorised to speak publicly, said the reorganisation had been discussed internally for nearly four years before finally getting the green light.
Betting Boom Brings Scrutiny
Gambling has been big business in Peru for a while. But it wasn’t until recent years—with the rise of mobile phones and digital wallets—that the remote betting market exploded.
Now, there’s real money on the line—and plenty of it.
• According to Mincetur estimates, Peru’s online gambling market could surpass $1 billion USD in annual turnover by the end of 2025.
While these figures remain projections, they’ve drawn attention not just from operators and punters, but from legislators and tax officials keen to tighten controls.
Previously, online operators existed in a kind of limbo. Some were registered overseas. Some were half-compliant. Many just flew under the radar.
The new directorate aims to fix that. Operators will now have to apply for official authorisation and keep updated registration through the DGJCMT (General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines).
Who’s Really in Charge Now?
The newly minted directorate falls under the wing of the DGJCMT, which is already responsible for brick-and-mortar casinos and slot machines. That office is headed by regulator Yuri Guerra Padilla, a well-known figure in Peru’s gaming circles.
This gives the new directorate some institutional muscle. Guerra Padilla, appointed in 2021, has built a reputation for pushing through tough regulatory changes—sometimes in the face of stiff industry opposition.
In recent comments to local press, Guerra Padilla hinted that several high-profile operators had already reached out to discuss compliance under the new law.
The legal groundwork, meanwhile, had been laid last year through Law No. 31557, which officially regulates remote betting, and the New General Tourism Law (Law No. 32392), which covers the wider leisure and hospitality sector.
What the Changes Mean for Operators
Not everyone’s thrilled, of course. Industry insiders say the registration process could become a bottleneck, especially if Mincetur doesn’t roll out digital tools to speed things up.
Still, the message is clear: those who don’t get authorised may find themselves locked out of Peru’s booming betting market.
Here’s how the updated structure looks:
| Regulatory Element | Old Framework (2002) | New Framework (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Gaming Oversight | Unregulated or informal | Formal registration & authorisation process |
| Legal Backing | None specific | Law No. 31557, Law No. 32392 |
| Supervisory Body | No dedicated unit | New directorate under DGJCMT |
| Enforcement Power | Weak or non-existent | Enforced under Supreme Decree No. 004-2025 |
The table above shows just how significant this reorganisation is.
Aligning with Broader State Priorities
Mincetur isn’t acting in isolation here. This revamp reflects a wider trend across the Peruvian government: trying to modernise agencies so they actually do what they’re meant to do.
In a statement, Mincetur said the creation of the new directorate “strengthens institutional capacity to provide more efficient service to citizens.” That’s classic bureaucratic speak—but underneath it lies a real concern about staying relevant and functional.
In fact, the ministry’s broader strategy aligns closely with State Organisation Guidelines adopted last year. These guidelines aim to reduce overlap between agencies and eliminate outdated bureaucratic frameworks.
It’s also worth noting that the New General Tourism Law sees gambling and gaming as part of Peru’s broader “tourism experience,” adding pressure to ensure the sector is properly regulated.
Not Just for Locals
Foreign companies are watching closely. Several major international betting platforms currently operate in Peru via local partners or offshore licenses.
They’ll need to rethink that strategy now.
One Lima-based gaming lawyer told Bloomberg on background that “compliance will no longer be optional.” He added that several foreign firms are quietly assembling legal teams in anticipation of tougher audits.
And for punters? The hope is that more oversight brings better protections. In theory, regulated platforms should offer clearer terms, fewer scams, and stronger data safeguards.
That said, critics warn that too much red tape could push users back to unregulated or offshore sites, particularly if approval processes drag on.
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