Business Empresarial.- The regulation of digital bets advances unequally in Latin America. Peru already implemented a clear framework ensuring the payment of taxes and promoting the supervision of operators, while other countries such as Chile and Ecuador are still in process. Mexico has a regulated scheme, but with limitations, and Brazil advances in its federal regulations.
A tangible example of the benefits of this regulation is the increase in tax collection. According to Víctor Mejía, head of the SUNAT, in February 2025, Peru raised a total of S/ 56 million for taxes on digital platforms and online sports bets.
From this figure, S/ 51 million come from the tax on digital platforms, while S/ 5 million correspond to the new online sports betting tax. This increase with respect to January reflects the effectiveness of fiscal policies and the consolidation of the sector in a regulated framework. “These income are fundamental to meet public needs and strengthen the country’s economy,” said Mejía
“The regulation was an unwanted need. With clear norms, the players are protected, tax collection is guaranteed and a more competitive and reliable ecosystem is established,” says Ricardo Pacheco, general manager of TupayComprehensive digital payment platform. However, it warns that the implementation of these measures should be done with a balanced approach to prevent excessive restrictions from fostering informality. “A regulated market with reasonable tax rates and clear operational conditions will attract investments and ensure compliance with regulations without discouraging participation,” he added.
Impacts and challenges of regulation at the local level
The regulation will have a deep impact on the dynamics of the digital betting market, transforming both the offer and competition between operators. While the main objective is to strengthen supervision and guarantee a safer environment for users, the implementation of these standards will also bring certain challenges that could redefine the industry panorama. According to Ricardo Pacheco, the most significant effects fall on the following points:
- Small business reduction: The high regulatory and compliance costs could lead to the disappearance of small operators, limiting the diversity and competitiveness of the sector.
- Guarantee of a regulated market: Effective regulation requires robust supervision systems that promote regulatory compliance through technology and guarantee a transparent competition environment.
- Market concentration in large companies: The new demands can favor large operators, making it difficult to enter and sustainability of smaller ventures, which could affect free competition.
“It is essential to guarantee an equitable regulatory framework so that both emerging companies and large operators can coexist and generate a healthy ecosystem for the sector,” concluded Ricardo Pacheco.
With the accelerated growth of the digital betting market in the region, the regulation arises as a key element for consolidation, establishing equitable rules of the game and promoting a sustainable development of the industry.
