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    How Peru reduced illegal gambling by 40% in just one year

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    Peru cuts illegal online gambling by 40% in a year. See how smart regulation worked—and why Ireland and Japan are now rethinking their strategies.

    Peru has become one of the few countries to show how smart regulation can make a real dent in the online gambling black market.

    Just a year after officially regulating the sector, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) announced a massive 40% reduction in illegal casinos and gambling operations. For an industry often plagued by slow-moving governments and troubling enforcement, the country’s progress offers a rare success story.

    Let's see how Peru did it—and what others can take away from its success:

    The power of proactive policies

    Peru’s gambling reform wasn’t just about passing a bill and calling it a day. Instead, the country rolled out a comprehensive framework that included licensing requirements, technical standards, tax obligations, and clear guidelines for operators. MINCETUR didn't just launch the new law—they actively enforced it.

    A lot of the illegal activity was driven out by rigorous inspections, public awareness campaigns, and swift penalties for non-compliant sites. The regulator's transparency—publishing lists of authorised operators and warning players about illegal ones—also helped build public trust.

    Permits with a plan

    Peru didn’t waste any time in opening up its regulated market. In just under a year, the country has issued nearly 700 new permits, including licences for online casinos, sportsbooks, platform providers, and software suppliers.

    The result? A booming legal gambling market that offers enough variety to keep players away from illegal and shady offshore operators.

    As mentioned before, this rapid (but controlled) expansion has helped cement Peru’s status as one of the hottest markets for online gambling in Latin America. Our previous article highlights how local demand, smart tax structures, and a mobile-savvy population are making Peru a magnet for top-tier gambling brands.

    Comparing global gambling laws

    While Peru charges ahead, other countries are dragging their feet, and it’s starting to show.

    Let’s take Ireland:

    Despite launching its Gambling Regulatory Authority in 2023, important reforms have been held back by delays and indecision. Among many other issues, industry stakeholders' frustration is becoming a problem. Critics also argue that without clear regulation, players are left vulnerable to unlicensed operators, and legal Irish online casinos and businesses are struggling.

    It’s a sharp contrast to Peru’s go-getter approach to gambling. Ireland's gambling regulations and the country's actions show that the slow rollout has created a dangerous regulatory grey zone. While in Peru, the laws are clear, and this has both cleaned up the market and attracted legitimate international investment.

    Meanwhile, changes are taking place in Japan's gambling regulations. Authorities are finally acknowledging the scale of online gambling, which is estimated at a staggering $45 billion wagered. While most forms of gambling remain technically restricted and players are turning to international online casinos, the Japanese government is becoming aware that regulation, not prohibition, is the only way to control the market and protect its customers.

    Responsible Gambling & Play Safe

    Lessons learnt

    Peru’s story is proof that regulation, when done properly, doesn’t hold an industry back—it enhances it! By giving legal operators a fair playing field and showing illegal ones that they are not welcome, Peru is creating a market that benefits everyone: players, businesses, and regulators alike.

    For countries like Ireland and Japan, the lesson is clear. Speed, transparency, and enforcement are what really matter. And when a government actually follows through, the results can be dramatic—in the best way possible.

    Whether other nations will follow suit remains to be seen. But for now, Peru stands as a prime example of what’s possible when regulation is more than just a headline—it’s a strategy.

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    Published: June 2, 2025

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    Deni avatar image

    Article by Deni

    CasinoWow Contributor

    Hi, I’m Deni and I am here to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about online casinos and games and, of course, have fun while doing it. I do so through in-depth research and a keen eye for detail resulting in comprehensive reviews and engaging articles. Let’s explore the iGaming world together!

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