Gaming Overview in Peru at GAT Expo: challenges and opportunities in times of change

The "Peru Panel: Peruvian gaming market, physical casinos and the impact of online gaming regulation" was moderated by Georges Didier, regional director Latin America of Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and panelists Fernando Calderón, president of SONAJA, the National Gaming Society (SONAJA), and Ana María Padrós, from Team Seven, both Peruvians.

During the conference, they discuss regulation in that country, the place of the pandemic in the gaming sector, and the future challenges for operators and suppliers, taking into account the economic and political challenges facing the country, as well as the quest to adapt to the new realities of online gaming. They also agreed on the importance of working together, harnessing digital momentum and ensuring a safe and transparent environment for all involved. 

The panel began with introductions from each of the participants, including the moderator, Georges Didier, CEO of GLI, who has 13 years of experience at the firm, and who emphasised the importance of the work being done in the laboratory to ensure compliance with regulations and standards in the gaming industry.

Ana María Padrós and Fernando Calderón then introduced themselves. Ana María Padrós is the founder general manager of Team Seven, a consultancy firm with partners in several countries. Maria has more than 25 years of experience in the sector, and has worked in both physical and online gaming operations, which allows her to bring a valuable perspective to this discussion. 

For his part, Fernando Calderón, president of the National Gaming Society, belongs to an organisation with a 25-year history in Peru and underlines the active role it has played in the regulation of the gaming industry in the country since its inception in 1998. Like Ana María, Calderón introduces herself and points out that they are going to talk about the situation of physical casinos and the current regulation of online gambling in Peru.

Below, we reproduce some of the most significant moments of the panel:

Georges Didier: As moderator, I would like to start with the following question: what has been the evolution of regulation in Peru?

Calderón: On that subject, I would like to share important data coming from the Institute that show the current situation of physical gaming halls in Peru. Currently, there are 690 licences, most of them concentrated in Lima and some others in the country's provinces. Despite the pandemic, most of the premises have been maintained, although some have temporarily closed. In addition, the gaming tax has experienced variations, with a significant increase in previous years, but with additional challenges due to the introduction of selective consumption taxes. This situation has affected the performance of the sector, especially due to the political and economic instability in the country.

Georges Didier: How has the pandemic affected face-to-face gaming in Peru?

Calderon: The pandemic has changed the profile of players, with an increase in the participation of young people in sports betting and online casinos. However, the face-to-face sector still faces economic and political challenges that affect its performance.

Georges Didier: Maria, what is your opinion on the evolution of gambling regulation before and after the pandemic?

Ana María Padrós: The pandemic has generated a change in the perception of the gambling sector, with greater confidence on the part of workers and suppliers. It is important to continue working on the formalisation and protection of the vulnerable population, as well as on the institutionalisation of the sector.

Calderón: Exactly. In addition, it is crucial for the financial sector to support physical and online gambling enterprises, ensuring their access to financial services to promote formalisation and compliance with regulations.

Georges Didier: What are the challenges ahead for operators and suppliers in Peru?

Calderón: The homologation of suppliers and the certification of platforms are key aspects to ensure compliance with regulations. It is essential that operators and suppliers work together to comply with legal and technical requirements.

Georges Didier: Any final comments before concluding?

Calderón: In summary, gaming regulation in Peru is constantly evolving, and it is important that all players in the sector work together to ensure a safe and transparent environment for players and the industry as a whole.
To conclude the conference, Georges Didier, in his role as moderator, closed the panel, thanking everyone for their valuable input on the Peruvian gaming landscape.