Analysis of the Gaming and Betting Industry from the point of view of LATAM Associations and Associations

Dominican Republic

Legal consultant Yamile Gutiérrez, representative of the Dominican Association of Sports Banks (ADOBAD), analysed the gaming landscape in the Dominican Republic from a very positive point of view.

What is the current state of investment in the country within the gaming sector?

The country is currently experiencing a remarkable opening towards the international market thanks to tourism and new regulations. According to Yamile, the sector includes more than 300 sports and lottery banks, hotel casinos, electronic lottery concessionaires and the state lottery. The recent legislation was the driving force behind the development of internet gambling, with seven providers already established and several others already applying for licences.

The industry, says Yamile Gutiérrez, finds tourism and the culture of Dominicans a key driver. ‘Dominicans gamble a lot, and this, combined with the arrival of new hotels of international chains, strengthens the attractiveness for investors in physical casinos and online platforms’.

This openness is seen as an opportunity to attract foreign capital, while consolidating a regulatory framework that strengthens transparency and trust in the sector.

PERU

Fernando Calderón, President of the National Gaming Society (SONAJA) in Peru, gave a detailed analysis of the challenges and regulatory advances in his country.  

What is the current state of investment in the country within the gaming sector?

In Peru we were blessed to have a professional regulator that managed to unify 97% of the physical operations working with legal actions. In just three years, we reached 100% of operations authorised by the Peruvian State, which allowed us to contribute with taxes and streamline the importation of machines and goods for the sector,’ explained Fernando. 

He added that since 2022, Peru has legislation that regulates online gaming allowing to attract physical and digital investments. 

How many physical casinos are there currently in Peru?

Before the pandemic, Peru had 760 casino rooms. That number was reduced post-pandemic, leaving 650 physical operations, distributed nationwide. ‘We have a single regulatory body for the whole country, which facilitates oversight and compliance,’ he said.

How many slot machines are in operation?

Peru currently operates approximately 80,000 slot machines, operated under strict state control, and working together, between operators and the regulatory body, ‘which is eliminating illegal operations nationwide,’ Fernando said. 

How does self-exclusion work and what benefits has it brought in relation to responsible gambling?

‘To enter a casino, it is compulsory to identify oneself. If the person is included in the self-exclusion list, he or she is not allowed access, and this control also applies to cashier operations,’ said Fernando Calderón. He added that this system strengthened prevention and responsible gambling, preventing vulnerable people from accessing establishments and thus preventing gambling addiction.

How is Peru doing in terms of investment in physical casinos and online gambling?

‘There is no ceiling for investment in land-based casinos; any interested party can invest if they meet the requirements, such as operating within a hotel or tourist restaurant,’ Fernando explained.

As for online gaming, he said: ‘There is a lot of activity around platforms and services for online operations, which represents an o

pportunity for both new players and physical operations that are moving into the digital segment.

Mexico

Miguel Ángel Ochoa, President of the Association of Permisionaires and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gaming Industry (AIEJA in original Spanish), shared some relevant considerations on Mexico's legislation and regulatory landscape

‘There were 16 regulators in 15 years’, Ochoa began by highlighting, in comparison to the situation of regulators in Peru, where despite different governments, there was only one regulator. 

Regarding the use of the revenues generated by gambling, Ochoa mentioned that: ‘In Mexico we earn 12 billion pesos a year, but that money goes to the government's global purse. We would like that, as in Colombia, these funds would be destined to health issues’.

He also stressed the obsolescence of Mexican legislation, which has been in force since 1947: ‘We have 77 years with a law that is totally obsolete. We need a new law that takes advantage of the experiences of other countries and modernises the sector.’

What is the current state of investment in the country within the gaming sector?

‘Mexico has 38 permit holders that manage up to 423 operating rooms, although they have prior authorisations to open close to 900 rooms,’ Ochoa explained. As for online platforms, he said: ‘There are already 30 online gaming platforms and 81 legal operators. Every online gaming operator in Mexico must work through a permit holder with physical casinos, which allows both models to complement each other.’

However, Ochoa highlighted the need to combat illegal online gambling: ‘We want the government to block illegal sites, because they seriously affect the formal market.’

What investment opportunities does Mexico face in the near future? 

Progress towards a new law appears to be underway, with a recent announcement by the Chamber of Deputies and the Ministry of the Interior on a modernisation project. Ochoa stressed the importance of this update: ‘In 1947 there were no aeroplanes, computers or television. Today we are in a new opportunity, and the challenge is to attract investment, generate taxes and foster a regulated market’.

By way of conclusion and closure of the GAT-Caribbean Conference, Miguel Ángel Ochoa underlined the relevance of the regional regulatory summits, calling for their continuity and participation: ‘At these summits, 20 regulators arrive and the following year there are already 7 new ones. The experience is forgotten, which is why it is crucial to document everything that is debated at these events in order to enrich and advance the issues of regulation and legislation in the gaming industry.