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The Dutch government is to launch a national campaign to combat digital fraud amid concerns over crimes related to online gambling.

Franc Weerwind, Netherlands’ minister for legal protection, announced a multi-year digital resilience campaign programme to combat fraud associated with online gambling.

Weerwind explained the rationale behind the campaign in response to concerns raised by fellow parliamentarians over match-fixing via social media.

Weerwind said the campaign will initially be aimed at young people. In particular, messaging will help them recognise scams and offers that appear too good to be true.

The minister was responding to questions from SP, CDA and Christian Union MPs about a report from the AD news site which alleged that social media influencers were defrauding victims of thousands of euros via Telegram by helping to promote fake sports results.

Weerwind said there was no evidence that the young people targeted were involved in match-fixing or indeed that any sporting events had actually been fixed. However, he expressed a broad concern that fraudsters are seeking out vulnerable people, such as the young.

Weerwind also said it is “undesirable” for influencers to advertise risky games of chance. He noted that gambling companies are prohibited from using role models that appeal to young people to advertise products.

“Fraud and inciting people to commit criminal acts is harmful and also punishable,” Weerwind wrote. “In this case, this would be done under the guise of ‘making quick money through sports betting’. The so-called manipulated results are purchased from the scammers on Telegram and paid for via cryptocurrency.

“People are being scammed. Awareness about and recognition of online scams by citizens can help prevent victimisation.”

Netherlands gambling social problems

Weerwind responded cautiously to suggestions that the legalisation of online gambling has created or expanded existing social problems. He said he did not wish to pre-judge a review into the impact of the Remote Gaming Act in 2024.

He added: “I have already made adjustments within the given legal frameworks in the past period and will continue to do so. For example, I have banned the use of role models as of 30 June 2022 and untargeted advertising for online gambling as of 1 July 2023. Addiction prevention is central to my policy efforts.”

Earlier this year, the Dutch government said it plans to submit new rules to improve addiction prevention in early 2024. It admitted the current system is flawed.

In addition to the broad digital resilience campaign, the Dutch gambling regulator, KSA, is due to commence work on a scheme that will test how self-exclusion service Cruks’ brand awareness can best be increased among different target groups.

Other initiatives include a programme that identifies and provides guidance for risky or problematic gambling behaviour among young adults. Developed by the Trimbos Institute, a specialist in addressing addiction issues, it will also be delivered in schools from 2024.

igamingbusiness

“The best antidote to the illegal market is a competitive regulated market,” the Betting and Gaming Council’s (BGC) Wes Himes told delegates at the conference last week.

Critics lined up to attack slow progress on regulatory reform in Great Britain, the BGC’s home market after a three-year review and six different gambling ministers. But in Germany, the Gambling Act white paper is held up as a successful, collaborative and proportionate model for fine-tuning gambling regulation.

In a market with blanket online slot stake limits of €1 and where monthly deposits are capped at €1,000 Great Britain’s emphasis on moderating rather than prohibiting activity appeals to many. Many attacked affordability checks as intrusive and excessive, but it provides a personalised compromise that Germany lacks, attendees and panellists suggested.

The strict measures only serve to shore up illegal competition, across the land-based, street and online sectors.

New State Treaty, the same old problems

Chief executive of local licensee Rootz Sam Brown laid bare the impact of re-regulation during a session organised by gambling law specialists Hambach & Hambach. There is a clear parallel between re-regulation and a rise in illegal online play, he explained.

Before the toleration period where businesses adhering to the 2021 State Treaty’s conditions were allowed to operate without a licence, Rootz players deposited €350 on average, Brown explained, and gross revenue per player averaged €141.

By August 2023, however, average customer deposits fell 80% to €150, with GGR per play halved to €73. Around 10% of Rootz’ pre-regulatory business channelled to the regulated market Brown added. “And they haven’t stopped gambling and found another hobby.”

Strict measures such as deposit and staking limits play a big role in the black market boom, he says. Harm prevention should be the ultimate responsibility of the operators Brown added, echoing a point from Himes about GB operators recognising their leading role in player protection.

The operators, not the authorities, not the legislators, hold all the data. Addicted customers are bad for business Brown said, but a personalised approach based on individual players will be more effective than Germany’s blanket restrictions.

This is especially significant if it shifts consumers to illegal sites without safeguards. Brown believes around 80% of online slot play is happening illegally, a far cry from new federal regulator Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder’s (GGL) claims of high channelisation.

Black and white markets powered by the same providers

Hambach & Hambach salary partner Yannick Skulsky pointed out slot sites – somewhat counter-intuitively – cannot be marketed as casino. Furthermore, regulations make it incredibly difficult for legal operators to roll out new titles, and very easy (and lucrative) for black market counterparts to do the same.

For the legal market, individual games must be certified. An operator needs a licence to offer slots, then specific permission for each game. The GGL, which carries out its testing internally, has scope to hire around 150 staff. It currently employs around half that number, a mixture of part- and full-time employees. There is inevitably a backlog for slot certification.

However there is no B2B licensing. A game could be certified and launched by one licensee, while another still awaits permission. Or a slot studio could have its legal roll-out delayed with one licensed client while the revenue flows in through an unlicensed brand.

Player claims and Malta’s Bill 55

It seems attempts by players to recoup gambling losses from unlicensed brands isn’t much of a deterrent, either.

Courts and customers in Germany continue to pursue operators for losses incurred during Germany’s long delays in implementing its State Treaty. Austrian lawyers are even trying to file claims against individual executives and directors.

Hambach & Hambach founding partner Claus Hambach believes this situation – one he admits feels quite surreal – is beginning to rationalise. While state high courts rule in favour of the players, a Supreme Court ruling possibly changes the outlook.

It threw out a claim to recoup losses from a payment provider, predominantly on the basis that the player was gambling. They knew money was at risk. Further, it noted the contact between the player and the operator could not be voided as both parties, by placing and accepting the bets, were effectively breaking the law formally.

Hambach sees a legal article published by German civil law expert Professor H Köhler as the way forward. There are only three factors that should prompt an operator to return losses to a player, Professor Köhler argues.

Any losses incurred by minors should be refunded, and players able to prove they were misled by a brand pretending to be licensed would be eligible. Those suffering from gambling addiction would also be able to claim back losses, if they are able to provide medical proof of their condition.

Malta’s attempt to protect its licensees from these cases, Bill 55, is viewed as bigger than a gambling matter by conference delegates. But not only will the European Commission look into Malta`s legislative approach but the European Court of Justice will also evaluate Germany’s disputed Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which is the basis for the claims in the first place (Case C-440/23).

Germany’s omnichannel black market

However illegal play is prevalent across all channels. The illegal gaming machine market is growing, and unlicensed Kaffe Kasinos are on the rise, warned Burkhard Blienert of the Federal Council on Addiction and Drug Issues.

Law enforcement experts pointed out illegal gambling is relatively low risk for criminal groups and remains highly profitable and a popular method of money laundering. It is also easy to manipulate legal devices or build approximations of traditional gambling devices – several primitive slots and even a variant of roulette seized by the police were on display.

However from government level there remains a desire to tackle illegal gambling in tandem with strict controls on the regulated market. For example Blienert argued sports betting advertising was as much a threat as illegal gambling and loot boxes, amid debate on whether TV ads, football sponsorship and other branding should be limited or banned similar to Great Britain.

However Gauselmann Group director Manfred Stoffers took a contrasting view. Player protection is raised by regulation, he argued. If an activity happens in the open, it can be monitored and controlled.

But two years on from the GGL taking charge of igaming regulation, operators and associations argue Germany’s strict regulatory measures are only benefitting the black market.

igamingbusiness

Romania’s online gambling landscape is witnessing significant shifts. In a surprising move, the Romanian government has greenlighted a substantial hike in annual gambling licensing fees across all categories.

This bold decision was part of an emergency ordinance unveiled on Thursday, introducing comprehensive reforms in Romania’s gambling regulations. These pivotal changes encompass steeper licensing fees, revamped advertising guidelines, a stringent prohibition on alcohol within gaming venues, and a mandatory clause for gambling enterprises to establish a fiscal headquarters within Romanian borders.

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New Gaming Oversight Body Formed Next to ONJN

Alongside the ONJN, a fresh organization has been established, vested with several responsibilities. Key among these are the prevention of gambling addiction and the deployment of activities and programs safeguarding minors and other susceptible groups—both socio-economically and otherwise—against the risks of gambling. The organization’s mandate also extends to the promotion of responsible gambling, treatment of gambling addiction, and responsible gambling advertising.

This body will develop a robust IT infrastructure, encompassing both hardware and software elements. A central feature of this system will be a national database designed to combat gambling addiction. This database will hold records of self-excluded and blacklisted individuals. Additionally, a dedicated communication line, “Telverde” will be established.

Revenue Structure

The organization’s revenue is primarily sourced from the annual contributions of licensed gambling operators. The breakdown is as follows:

Remote gambling operators, Class I: €500,000 annually.
Directly involved entities in both traditional and remote gambling, Class II: €15,000 annually.
State monopoly remote games, Class III: €100,000 annually.
Traditional gambling operators:
Lotto games: €200,000 annually.
Video lottery games: €100 per device annually.
Pari-mutuel betting: €50,000 annually.
Fixed-odds betting: €200,000 annually.
Return betting: €100,000 annually.
Casino-specific games: €4,000 annually per game table.
Poker club games: €5,000 annually per club.
Slot-machine games: A tiered approach is employed:
€300 annually per authorized slot in 2024.
€500 annually per authorized slot from 2025 onward.
Bingo games in gaming halls: €5,000 annually.
Television network bingo games: €500,000 annually.

In a move that underscores the government’s commitment to responsible gambling, 70% of these increased contributions will bolster the state treasury. The remaining 30% will be channeled towards initiatives promoting responsible gambling.

Annual Licensing Fees for Games of Chance

Explore the latest fee structure for gambling licenses, showcasing significant increases across multiple categories when compared to previous rates. Dive in to see how the changes might impact on your operations.

Lotto Games: €200,000
Mutual Bets: €65,000
Fixed Odds Bets: €200,000
Counter Bets: €150,000
Casino Games: €150,000
Poker Club Games: €25,000
Slot-Machine Games: €150,000
Bingo Games (Gaming Rooms): €15,000
Bingo Games (TV Networks): €150,000
Remote Gambling Licenses Categories:
Class 1 License: Aimed at remote gambling operators engaging directly with players: €300,000/year.
Class 2 License: For entities in traditional and remote gambling, as well as conformity assessment bodies. Fees are €20,000/year for the following:
Operators offering platform management and hosting
Payment processors
Software producers/distributors for gambling
Affiliates
Certifiers
Auditors
Conformity assessment entities
Class 3 License: For lottery game operators: €200,000.
Poker Festival: €20,000
Temporary Casino Games (3-month validity): €27,500
Raffle Games (Traditional): €20,000
Video Lottery Games (Traditional): €100,000
Yearly Authorization Fees for Gambling Activities:

Unravel the new yearly fee framework for gambling operations, reflecting notable changes in rates across multiple game categories. Discover what’s in store for both traditional and remote gambling platforms.

Traditional Lotto Games: €300,000.
Mutual Bets (Traditional): 21% of the game revenues as per art. 11 of the emergency ordinance, with a minimum fee of €120,000.
Fixed Odds Bets (Traditional): 21% of game revenues, with a baseline of €200,000.
Counter Bets (Traditional): 21% of game revenues, with a minimum fee of €200,000.
Casino Games:
In Bucharest: €70,000 per table.
Outside Bucharest: €40,000 per table.
Poker Club:
In Bucharest: €82,500 per location.
Outside Bucharest: €38,500 per location.
Slot Machine Games:
Class A Slot Machine: €5,300.
Bingo (Gaming Rooms): €7,500 per hall. Plus, 5% of the value of cards bought from the “National Printing Company”.
Bingo (TV Networks): 23% of game revenues, with a minimum of €150,000.
Remote Gambling (Class 1 & 3): 21% of game revenues, starting at €400,000.
Poker Festival: €35,000.
Temporary Casino Games: €22,000 per table (3-month validity).
Raffle Games: €85,000 per venue. Additionally, 5% of the ticket value purchased from the “National Printing Company”.
A Safety Net for Licensing

To ensure financial security, operators are obligated to maintain minimum capital reserves, especially if they default on licensing fees. Depending on an enterprise’s revenue, these mandatory reserves could touch €1,000,000 by 2025.

Guarantee Levels to Cover Risk of Non-payment:

Traditional Gambling Activity (excluding casinos):

For 2024: The guarantee is based on the organizer’s income level:
Up to €5,000,000/year: €500,000 guarantee
€5,000,001 to €20,000,000/year: €800,000 guarantee
Above €20,000,001: €1,000,000 guarantee
From January 1, 2025: A flat guarantee of €1,000,000, irrespective of the organizer’s income.

Casino Gaming (Traditional):

Guarantee: €3,000,000

Online Gambling Activity (excluding online casinos):

For 2024: The guarantee is based on the organizer’s income level:
Up to €5,000,000/year: €500,000 guarantee
€5,000,001 to €20,000,000/year: €1,000,000 guarantee
Above €20,000,001: €2,000,000 guarantee
From January 1, 2025: A flat guarantee of €2,000,000, irrespective of the organizer’s income.

Online Casino Activity:

For 2024: The guarantee is based on the organizer’s income level:
Up to €5,000,000/year: €1,000,000 guarantee
€5,000,001 to €20,000,000/year: €2,000,000 guarantee
Above €20,000,001: €5,000,000 guarantee
From January 1, 2025: A flat guarantee of €5,000,000, irrespective of the organizer’s income.
Redefining Gambling Ads in Romania

Promotional campaigns by operators are undergoing a transformation as well. Operators must prominently display their ONJN license in all promotional materials and refrain from dispatching unsolicited electronic messages. Furthermore, advertising on billboards exceeding 35 square meters is strictly off-limits.

While the ordinance’s approval was widely anticipated, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu’s remarks on Tuesday grabbed attention. He candidly addressed the criticisms, asserting that he wouldn’t bow down to threats from the gaming sector, a subtle dig at past politicians who allegedly yielded to industry pressures.

Conclusion

The recent uptick in license fees, guarantees, and social fees underscores a commitment to bolstering player safety and ensuring a more regulated and responsible gaming environment in Romania. These changes not only reflect a proactive approach to address potential gambling-related issues but also ensure that only the most dedicated and genuine operators thrive in the market. By setting a higher financial threshold, the landscape is primed to favor those operators who are serious about adhering to standards and delivering a secure gaming experience. In the end, these measures are a testament to Romania’s dedication to protecting its citizens while also allowing committed operators to continue serving their clientele responsibly.

igaming.express

Victoria’s minister for casino, gaming and liquor regulation, Melissa Horne, put forward the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 to the state’s parliament.

If the package of reforms is successful, a curfew will be enforced at most Victorian electronic gaming machine venues from mid-2024.

This would bar hotel and bar patrons from accessing pokie areas between 4am and 10am. The law would only permit casinos to allow punters to play between these times.

The Victoria government said it introduced this measure of the gambling bill to prevent the common practice of staggered opening hours. It argued some venues do this to encourage customers to move between venues in an area in order to continue gambling.

Other reforms comprise the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play for all pokie machines. The government will cap load-up limits at AU$100 and slow spin speeds to reduce the pace of games.

The government said it intends to consult with industry for these measures as part of an implementation working group.

Reforms follow Crown scandal

The government first announced its intention to implement the reforms in July. This came in the wake of a high-profile scandal and inquiry at Australian casino giant Crown Resorts’ Melbourne property.

The Royal Commission inquiry, which was led by Ray Finkelstein AO QC, made 33 recommendations to the government, which were then passed. This followed the report finding the operator “unsuitable” to hold a casino licence in the state of Victoria.

“Our previous reforms have delivered stronger oversight of the gambling industry in Victoria with a regulator unafraid to hold venues to account – now we’re doing more important work to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm,” said Horne.

“We’ve seen predatory behaviour from some venues, allowing people to keep gambling for hours, at any hour. Closing gaming areas between 4am and 10am will give people an important break to reassess and walk away.”

Victoria gambling bill expands government powers

Also on the slate would be a more general expansion of the gambling minister’s powers. The minister would have more scope to prohibit betting on activities considered harmful by the government, such as sports played by minors.

The bill also includes measures designed to enable the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to better deal with casinos that lose their licence.

igaming business

In a public notice, the LSLGA names a host of operators that do not hold the relevant licence or approval in Nigeria. The LSLGA says operating without a licence breaches Section 33(3) of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021.

As such, the LSLGA deems each of the named operators as illegal and not approved to offer gambling in Nigeria. It is also urging players to cease gambling with any of the operators.

“The LSLGA wishes to reaffirm its commitment to regulating and promoting the Lagos gaming industry to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are adequately protected,” the LSLGA said.

Nigeria open to offshore operators

The Nigerian market is by no means closed to operators but requires any business to hold a licence to offer gambling.

In October last year, it was revealed Nigeria was to introduce a new remote operator permit for offshore-licensed operators. This allows businesses to offer online gambling in Nigeria without a local presence.

Businesses are eligible for a remote operator permit if they already hold a licence in another jurisdiction. The permit covers casino games, bingo, slots, sports betting and poker.

Each permit is valid for five years. Operators must pay an initial $100,000 for the permit, plus fees of $50,000 in each of the next four years.

Holders will also be allowed to advertise in the country across print media or via affiliate programmes.

igaming Business

The passage of the bill marks one of the final hurdles in the long journey to regulate online gambling in Brazil, the 10th largest economy in the world.

Bill 3626/23 – which will replace the Provisional Measure (PM) president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued in July – was amended several times from the original bill that the rapporteur, deputy Adolfo Viana, presented yesterday.

However, the bill still legalises online casino in addition to sports betting. Betting on fantasy sports will remain illegal due to a specific exemption from the new rules.

DEPUTY ADOLFO VIANA PRESENTS AMENDED BILL
The bill will now head to the Federal Senate, which has 45 days to comment on the bill.

Foreign operators barred from licensing
Unlike the PM, the proposed law excludes foreign companies from offering regulated gambling. Only businesses incorporated under Brazilian legislation, with headquarters and administration in the country will be able to operate.

It is unclear how much of a barrier this will be to foreign operators in practice. It may be the case that operators will need to enter the country through a local hero in order to comply with the requirements.

Operators will also need to have a minimum value of share capital, be a member of a sports integrity body and pass a host of other technical requirements.

Businesses to pay 18% revenue tax
The 18% tax on revenue remains in place. Commentators have highlighted this rises to 31-34% once additional contributions are accounted for.

However, the percentages of the gaming revenue that are allocated the various causes has been amended from what Viana proposed yesterday.

Now 2%, as opposed to 10% of the revenue will go to social security. Meanwhile 1.82% is earmarked for the Ministry of Education, 6.63% for sport and 5.0% for tourism.

The $R30m (£4.89m/€5.69m/$6.10m) licence fee also stays the same. Each payment grants an operator the right to offer gaming through one betting app, with an additional offering needing another licence. The bill also reduces the licence term from five years to three.

The bill also requires operators to put in place anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policies, procedures and internal controls. Companies must also adhere to safer gambling obligations.

Ban on bonus bets
The proposed law also bars operators from offering bonus bets to customers, even if done as part of a promotion. The bill also prevents businesses from offering any credit lines to bettors.

Under the new rules, companies without a licence are prevented from advertising. The ads that are released must also follow new guidelines. If an ad is in breach of these guidelines, companies, internet service providers and websites must remove it after an order from the Ministry of Finance.

The bill also prevents operator’s senior leadership from placing bets. Also barred are regulators, those under 18 and those involved in sporting events.

New payment rules to counter grey market
The bill also includes new payment rules designed to prevent offshore gambling. Only institutions authorised by the Central Bank will be permitted to offering payment services.

A player will only be able to send the money in their betting account to a bank account that has headquarters and administration in Brazil.

Latest step to legal online gambling in Brazil
The passage of the bill marks the latest step in the long journey to regulate gambling in Brazil.

In 2018, the Federal Senate passed Federal Law No. 13,756/18, which sought to regulate fixed-odds sports betting.

Following the passage of the law, the government, through the Secretariat of Evaluation, Planning, Energy and Lottery (SECAP), had four years to develop the regulations.

Brazil
BRAZIL HAS FACED A BUMPY ROAD TO REGULATION SINCE 2018
However, just short of the finishing line, the outgoing president Jair Messias Bolsonaro failed to sign-off on the new rules, throwing years of work into doubt.

But after Bolsonaro’s loss in the election, the more industry-friendly Lula took office. After being burned in a 2007 gambling scandal Lula had not been as vocal an industry supporter as he was before.

Despite this, many expected the new leader to regulate sports betting in order to help fund social projects.

He did so in July when his government promligated the PM that regulated sports betting nationwide. However, for a PM to remain permeant, it must be approved by the country’s Congress within a 120 day period.

The confirmation of the bill by the Chamber of Deputies is an important milestone in this journey. Only the Federal Senate stands now in between legal online gambling in Brazil.

The Regulating the Game conference is only a month away. This five-day event is dedicated to focusing on the world of gambling law and regulation.

Making its debut in London, this conference has a successful track record, having been established in Sydney as Australia’s gambling law and regulation conference. The UK, like Australia, is facing scrutiny of its gambling policy landscape.

The event will be held from 25 – 29 September.

With uncertainty about potential reforms and concerns about stifling interventions, the event is stepping up to address these matters.

Paul Newson, Regulatory and Gambling Specialist, said: “By bringing together all stakeholders, this conference provides a platform to hear from leading regulatory and industry figures, challenge conventional thinking, and deepen understanding of the sector. “Moreover, it’s a catalyst for constructive dialogue, evidence-based policy development, efficient regulation, and a renewed, innovative and sustainable industry.” He added: “In the midst of regulatory challenges and public policy uncertainties, it’s vital for the industry to maintain an influential voice, participate in policy conversations, contribute to regulatory discussions, build capabilities and encourage a workplace culture of ethical leadership and social responsibility.” A special collaboration with the International Centre for Gaming Regulation at UNLV brings an international perspective to Regulating the Game London. This partnership brings knowledge and experience from Las Vegas, Nevada, adding another international lens to the conference. Earlier, it was reported that a new event called Pitch! @RTG will be introduced at the conference. Its goal is to platform products and methodologies that can enhance capability, enhance results, and bring efficiency by addressing regulatory friction and challenges, inspiring compliance, provoking innovation and promoting ethical leadership.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India has released an advisory paper, requesting that all advertisements for gambling products cease immediately across all platforms.

Five main avenues have been listed in the advisory paper, those being newspapers, television channels, online news outlets, online advertisement companies and social media platforms.

Attached to this latest advisory were three previous statements, all released by the Ministry within the last 14 months.

Kshitij Aggarwal, Ministry Deputy Director of Digital Media, explained in the statement: “The above-mentioned Advisories clearly mention that betting and gambling is an illegal activity and hence advertisements/promotion of such activities directly or indirectly on any of the media platforms fall foul of various statues, including under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Press Council Act 1978, etc.”

It may be noted that recently, the Central Government has taken action against a network of agents who had collected substantial money from users of gambling apps and subsequently funneled the funds out of India.

In this regard, it may be noted that advertisements of gambling or betting platforms not only pose significant financial and socio-economic risk for the consumers, especially youth and children, but also have links to money laundering networks, thereby threatening the financial security of the country.”

The advisory continued to explain that there had been a noticeable increase in advertising around major sporting events, such as cricket tournaments.

With a number of major international cricket tournaments approaching, the Ministry has released this advisory letter as a reminder to organisations, emphasising that ‘the Government would be constrained to take appropriate action under the various statues’ if any further advertisements are shown.

This announcement comes only a week after the Maharashtra Government, one of the largest states in India, repealed its 1976 Casinos Control and Tax Act and effectively banned casinos in the region.

As each country has opened up to legalising gambling and the millions that it brings in terms of tax revenue, operators, affiliates and suppliers from around the world have clamoured to get a piece of the market.

Currently, the continent is made up of a complete mixture of regulations, some parts are wholly restrictive, others are permissive to a near-oblivious level and the rest are working to regulate as fast as possible – if they haven’t already.

Here, Gambling Insider explores the regulations found in each country and what is and isn’t currently legal.

Argentina

Gambling Legal: Yes

Argentina, much like the US, regulates all of its gambling on a state-by-state basis – leaving it to the individual jurisdictions to decide what kind of rules to set when it comes to gambling restrictions.

Brazil

Gambling Legal: Yes

While gambling is legal in Brazil, the market is near-universally unregulated. However, attempts to regulate gambling are now being pushed forward and are expected to pass in the near future.

Bolivia

Gambling Legal: Yes

Although online gambling is technically illegal, the state doesn’t prosecute those that do it – while land-based betting is entirely legal.

Chile

Gambling Legal: Yes/No

While gambling in Chile is legal, online casinos remain illegal – though players are not prosecuted for doing so – but, there are several rule changes that could be coming soon that will legalise all forms of gambling in the country and regulate it simultaneously.

Colombia

Gambling Legal: Yes

Colombia has legal betting, so long as the companies that enter Colombia’s betting market have a local licence.

Costa Rica

Gambling Legal: Undefined

The Costa Rican Government have an ‘unspoken approval’ of gambling in the country, though the practice is not strictly approved – since it is included under the country’s gaming law.

Ecuador

Gambling Legal: No

Ecuador completely closed off all gambling in 2011, and the industry has remained banned ever since the Executive Decree was ordered. However, foreign websites are allowed.

Guyana

Gambling Legal: Yes

While gambling is legal in Guyana, much of the country’s online gambling remains unregulated.

Mexico

Gambling Legal: Yes

Nicaragua

Gambling Legal: Yes

Panama

Gambling Legal: Yes

Paraguay

Gambling Legal: Yes

Peru

Gambling Legal: Yes

Uruguay

Gambling Legal: Yes

Venezuela

Gambling Legal: Yes – the two casinos accept cryptocurrency as payment.

Right now, the only legal gambling found in Venezuela is in casinos that also accept cryptocurrency.

Country Retail Sports Betting Online Sports Betting Regulated Sports Betting Casino Regulated Online Casino Regulated Land-Based Casino Lottery
Argentina
Brazil
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Guyana
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela

FAQ’S

How can you tell licensed operators from unlicensed ones?

The answer here is you have to do research into the operator. Of course, it is an added chore to do when a player wants to get down and play, but being in the regulated market is always safer than not. Many countries in LatAm won’t prosecute players for gambling with black market operators, meaning that those operators exist freely – and usually without adequate player protection in place. Therefore, the word here is ‘caution.’

Is regulated sports betting coming in Brazil?

Well, the answer to that is, yes. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed the bill that has regulated the practice as of 12 May 2023. As of now, Brazil is in the process of adopting it into daily life, ending a significant wait for many operators, suppliers and players in the famously football-obsessed country.

Revenue in the state was 0.8% lower than $1.30bn in May 2022 but ahead of the $1.16bn generated in April this year.

Slots remained by far the primary source of revenue for operators, drawing $877.9m worth of revenue, up 0.9% year-on-year. Multi-denomination slots accounted for $501.3m of this total, with penny slots generating $285.9m.

Revenue from table, counter and card games slipped 4.4% to $411.2m, with declines across almost all gambling types.