Brief history of gambling in Peru
Gambling and land-based casinos in Peru are highly regulated. Back in 1999, the first law that contemplated these activities was passed. We are talking about Law number 27153, "Law that regulates the exploitation of top games in online casinos and slot machines". However, this law has been subsequently modified to adapt it to current demands. We must point out that, while casinos and slot machines have very specific regulations, bingos have municipal regulations and there is little control over them. Likewise, lotteries also have old and not very specialized regulations.
The General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines (DGJCMT) is the body in charge of enforcing and complying with the laws related to games of chance. Therefore, it is responsible for the regulation and control of on-site casinos in Peru. It is an entity belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. Its main function is to authorize and supervise the activity of internet casinos online in order to promote safe and responsible gaming. Therefore, the main objectives of the DGJCMT are:
- To guarantee fair and transparent gaming in casinos and slot machines.
- To implement protection measures for vulnerable groups.
- To fight against illegal gambling practices.
When talking about gambling in Peru we must remember that by law, casinos and slot machines may only be located in 3, 4 or 5 star hotel complexes and in 5 star tourist restaurants. In addition, in the provinces of Lima and Callao there are still more restrictive rules, as casinos are only allowed in luxury resorts or 4 and 5 star hotels.
The online gambling situation in Peru
Online gambling in Peru is not prohibited, but neither is it regulated nor subject to any type of control by the government, but is currently in a kind of legal vacuum. By online gambling we mean online casinos and sports betting portals. This situation is not favorable for the country's government and therefore, at present, the Directorate of Casinos and Slot Machines is working on a bill to regulate Internet gambling. This regulation contemplates the prohibition of online casinos, but supports the opening of online gambling houses regulated by the Peruvian government. We will discuss later on what would happen if this bill were to be approved.
However, at present, online gambling is not regulated (at least for the time being) and this allows players residing in Peru to access a wide variety of international online casinos. Some of the best known are Bet365, Rivalo, 888casino, Betfair or William Hill. All of them have years of experience in the sector and a good reputation. Therefore, fair play and security in these portals are more than guaranteed.
What would happen if the bill were to go ahead?
If this regulation proposed in the bill were to be carried out, all operators wishing to offer sports betting services in Peru would have to adapt to the new regulations and start paying taxes in the country. Bookmakers not complying with these requirements would become restricted for Peruvian users. This process could cause many international betting companies to leave the country. However, it would also mean a greater guarantee of security for Peruvian bettors, since the DGJCMT (which reports to the Ministry of Tourism) would be in charge of requiring operators to comply with high security and player protection standards. On the other hand, amateur casino users would have to go to physical establishments to be able to play legally, since online casinos would be prohibited in Peru.
Tips for Peruvian players
As we have already mentioned, players residing in Peru can access a large number of international online casinos. In fact, many of the gambling portals are designed for Peruvian users, since their web pages are translated into Spanish and some of them even accept Peruvian soles for deposits. However, we must bear in mind that Peruvian gaming law does not contemplate online casinos and therefore certain precautions must be taken and players from Peru can use Spanish casino online sites without any problems
The first of all is to play in platforms that have a great recognition and prestige. If we have doubts about the reputation of a casino, we can always go to pages specialized in the subject or to forums where players explain their experience. In this way, we will be sure that it is a reliable casino. The second precaution we must take is to check that the casino in question accepts players residing in Peru and that its top casino bonuses and promotions are also available for such users. The best way to check this information is to go to the Terms and Conditions section of the casino. Alternatively, we can also ask their agents through an email or through the help chat in case we have doubts about certain payment methods such as the ones that can be used in any online casino with AstroPay.
On the other hand, it is also important to choose casinos that are available in Spanish and that accept payment methods accepted in Peru. Likewise, it is also advisable to choose gambling portals that accept soles at the time of making any transaction, since this is an indication that the casino is designed for Peruvian players.
