A Brief History of Gambling in Peru

Gambling has long been more than a pastime in Peru. From informal card tables in colonial plazas to packed casinos on Lima’s coastline, wagering has threaded itself into the country's cultural and economic flow. What started as casual entertainment has matured into one of Latin America’s most structurally advanced gambling markets, driven by a pragmatic approach to regulation and an appetite for innovation.

The earliest forms of gambling in Peru trace back to the 19th century, with formal lotteries and rudimentary betting games appearing during the Republican era, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that structured regulation took hold. In 1979, casinos were legalised under Decree-Law No. 22515, marking the first significant step toward a regulated industry. Key reforms followed in the 1990s, most notably Law No. 27153 in 1999, which regulated slot machines and introduced operational standards for casino venues.

Throughout the early 2000s, the land-based sector continued to expand, while online gambling remained largely unregulated but tolerated. Peru’s permissive stance during this period allowed international operators to thrive, albeit in a legal grey area. This leniency persisted until 2022, when policymakers began overhauling the system to bring clarity, fairness, and enforcement to digital betting.

By 2024, Peru had implemented one of the region's most complete national regulatory frameworks for online gambling. Licensing, taxation, player protection, and technical standards now fall under a clearly defined structure overseen by MINCETUR.

Today, public attitudes remain broadly supportive, shaped by the industry’s economic contribution and enhanced consumer protections. What was once informal and fragmented is now formalised, with Peru earning its place as a regional reference point for gambling regulation done right.

Timeline of Events and Legislation

From the legalisation of casinos in the late 20th century to the launch of a nationally regulated online gambling market in 2024, the timeline below highlights the most important milestones that have defined Peru’s path toward becoming a structured and increasingly attractive gambling jurisdiction.

1979:   Casinos legalised under Decree Law 22515 for the first time
1990:   Structure for gaming tax introduced (Decree No. 608)
1999:   Law 27153 regulates slot machines and casino operations
2006:  Update of casino oversight and enforcement (Law 28945)
2008:  First online gambling operator begins offering services in Peru
2012:   Law 29829 modernises the gambling industry and lowers taxes
2013:   Unified monitoring system SUCTR launched for slot machines
2022:  Online gambling & remote sports betting legalised (Law 31557)
2023:  Tax and licensing amendments to 31557/2022 (31806/2023)
2023:  Supreme Decree 005/2023 sets tech rules and enforcement
2024:  Implementation of the regulated online gambling market

Where Peru’s iGaming Market Stands Now

After years of gradual reform, Peru has stepped confidently into the era of regulated online gambling. What began as a collection of tolerated activities has been replaced by a clear, enforceable structure, transforming the country into a legitimate hotspot for iGaming across Latin America.

The turning point came in 2022 when Peru passed legislation formally regulating online gaming and betting. Since then, a flurry of regulatory developments has turned intention into implementation. As of 2024, licensed operators live under a fully regulated system. Today, both local and international brands are legally permitted to offer online sports betting, casino games, fantasy sports and esports betting to Peruvian players. Land-based gaming also remains well-established, with casinos and slot halls operating under separate but longstanding regulations. 

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