Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, known as Mincetur, has ordered internet access blocked to 36 remote gaming and sports betting platforms that were serving users without authorization.
The General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines coordinated the measure with the Ministry of Transport and Communications under Law No. 31557, which gives Mincetur responsibility for licensing and supervising Peru’s regulated online gambling market.
The framework took effect in February 2024 following the approval of Supreme Decree No. 005-2023-MINCETUR. It requires domestic and overseas operators targeting Peruvian players to obtain authorization, register their technology and comply with player protection, advertising and taxation requirements.
Blocking powers form part of the enforcement provisions intended to prevent unauthorized websites and applications from competing with licensed platforms. Authorized remote gaming and betting activity is also subject to gambling taxes administered by Peru’s tax authority, Sunat.
The online intervention follows physical inspections in Ancón, Pomalca and Catacaos. Mincetur, the Peruvian National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office seized 39 machines from four establishments operating without permission.
Authorities confiscated another machine at a separate Ancón location after it was allegedly made available to children and adolescents. Peruvian law prohibits the operation, manufacture, assembly, importation and sale of gambling equipment intended for minors.
Mincetur said it has ordered the closure of 14 sports betting establishments and six slot machine halls to date. The ministry has also conducted regional interventions, including the closure of an unauthorized betting location in Juliaca in March, where 15 computers were seized.
The enforcement activity comes as Peru moves from an initial licensing and formalization phase toward continuing supervision of digital platforms, retail premises and associated service providers.
Mincetur maintains public records covering authorized gaming locations, platforms and registered suppliers.
Illegal gambling promotion or participation can lead to administrative action and prison terms of between one and four years under Peru’s Penal Code.
Peru’s consumer protection authority opened 13 preliminary investigations into influencer gambling promotions between March and June 2026. The cases are examining whether advertised platforms hold Mincetur authorization and whether paid content carries the disclosures and gambling warnings required by law.
Law No. 31557 also requires physical remote sports betting locations to remain at least 150 metres walking distance from schools and places of worship
