Peru Tightens Controls on Casinos and Online Betting: New SBS Regulation Strengthens Fight Against Money Laundering

The Superintendence of Banking, Insurance and AFP (SBS) officially enacted on April 8, 2026 a new regulation that strengthens controls over casinos, slot machines, and— for the first time—online sports betting platforms and iGaming nationwide.

The measure, established through SBS Resolution No. 01015-2026 and signed by Superintendent Sergio Espinosa Chiroque, seeks to reinforce the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing in a rapidly expanding sector.

Expanded Scope: Online Betting Included

The regulation applies to all companies authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), covering not only land-based casinos and slot halls but also remote gaming platforms and online sports betting, which must now comply with the same regulatory standards. Oversight and sanctions will be handled by MINCETUR’s General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines.

Mandatory Implementation of SPLAFT

A central requirement is the implementation of a System for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (SPLAFT), tailored to the specific risks of each operation. Companies must also provide mandatory, periodic training for employees and executives to detect suspicious transactions, while maintaining updated personnel records.

End of Anonymity in Betting

The regulation introduces strict due diligence policies to identify customers, ultimate beneficiaries, suppliers, and directors. This includes verification processes, continuous monitoring, and enhanced controls for high-risk profiles such as politically exposed persons. Operators must also maintain a Transaction Record (RO) documenting all relevant operations, especially those exceeding USD 2,500, including prize payments and chip movements. Records must be preserved for at least five years and be available to Peru’s Financial Intelligence Unit and the supervisory authority.

Immediate Reporting of Suspicious Transactions

Suspicious transactions must be reported within 24 hours of detection via technological platforms such as ROSEL. Failure to comply will be considered a very serious offense under the new sanctioning framework.

Stricter Penalties and New Obligations

The regulation introduces tougher sanctions, with fines reaching up to 8 Tax Units (UIT), equivalent to more than S/44,000 in 2026. Serious infractions include failure to report suspicious transactions, omission in reviewing international lists (such as those of the UN Security Council), and non-compliance with fund-freezing orders. Companies must also adopt internal prevention manuals, codes of conduct, and undergo mandatory internal and external audits.

New Standards for Corporate Groups

The regulation also applies to economic groups, requiring corporate-level prevention policies, information-sharing mechanisms, and the appointment of compliance officers subject to prior approval by authorities.

With this update, Peru takes a key step toward greater control of the gaming ecosystem, aligning its regulation with international standards and reinforcing oversight in an increasingly digitalized market.