Emerging Markets in Latin America: Navigating iGaming regulations for expansion

Latin America is quickly becoming a significant region in the global iGaming market. Countries like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina are leading the charge with new legislation, creating opportunities for online sports betting, casino games, and lotteries.

As this market continues to develop, operators looking to expand into Latin America must navigate a complex regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and connect with users.

To learn more about the Latin American and other important iGaming markets, download our whitepaper, “Future-Proofing iGaming: Navigating the Regulatory Maze.”

Regulatory developments in Latin America

Brazil

Brazil has been moving toward the regulation of online betting and gaming following the enactment of Law 14.790/2023. The law provides a framework for licensing, oversight, advertising restrictions, and player‑protection requirements. Regulatory implementation is progressing through secondary rules issued by the Ministry of Finance and other competent authorities.

Brazil’s model allows participation by international operators, provided they meet statutory requirements, which may include establishing a local presence and complying with local partnerships or representation rules. Operators must also adhere to strict responsible‑gaming and customer‑verification obligations, including the use of the CPF (tax identification number) for identity validation and transaction monitoring.

Payment regulations are an important part of Brazil’s framework. While cards and other instruments may be subject to specific restrictions under the applicable regulations, the most widely used method for online transactions is Pix, the instant‑payment system operated by the Central Bank of Brazil. Operators must comply with all applicable rules governing permitted payment instruments, data protection, and anti‑fraud controls.

Peru

Peru has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gaming and sports betting through Law 31557 and its amendment. The regime, in force since early 2024, sets out licensing, technical, operational, and supervisory requirements, including responsible‑gaming obligations, robust KYC, AML/CFT controls, and compliance with Peru’s data‑protection law. MINCETUR oversees implementation, issues secondary regulations, and enforces penalties - including significant fines and criminal sanctions - against unauthorized operators.

Argentina

Argentina operates under a fully decentralized regulatory model. Online gambling is governed at the provincial level, meaning each of the 23 provinces, and the City of Buenos Aires independently regulates, licenses, and supervises online gaming and sports betting within its jurisdiction.

As a result, licensing requirements, permitted products, tax obligations, and responsible‑gaming rules vary across provinces. Many jurisdictions require strict KYC procedures, ongoing player‑protection measures, and adherence to local advertising standards. Some provinces, including Buenos Aires Province and the City of Buenos Aires, have implemented additional safeguards focused on preventing underage access and improving risk controls.

Operators seeking to enter Argentina must evaluate the regulatory regime of each province individually to determine eligibility and compliance requirements.

Compliance strategies for iGaming operators

Operators must develop robust strategies to navigate the complex iGaming regulations and payment restrictions in Latin America. These include:

• Stay up to date with local regulations: The Latin American market is expanding rapidly, with regulations constantly refined and amended.

• Introduce compliance with age verification: Applying strict ID checks at account creation will help prevent minors from accessing iGaming content.

• Enforce Anti-Money Laundering regulations: Keep up to date with AML regulations and ensure your iGaming payment solutions have the relevant checks and balances in place.

• Apply deposit limits: Ensure that bettors cannot exceed legally specified deposit limits.

• Improve gamer safety: Provide gamers with self-exclusion options to prevent problem gambling and adhere to local safety requirements.

Role of iGaming payment solutions

Localized payment solutions are vital for meeting the unique regulatory requirements of each Latin American market. These solutions must be tailored to the specific requirements and needs of each market, offering a range of payment methods that comply with local laws.

Paysafe’s local payment solutions are designed to help operators navigate the regulatory challenges of the Latin American market. With a deep understanding of local regulations and a robust compliance framework, Paysafe enables operators to offer seamless and secure payment options to their players.

Operators that partner with Paysafe have the support to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of Latin America, guidance to assist in maintaining compliance, while offering a smooth and secure payment experience to their customers.

Helping you navigate regulatory challenges

The Latin American iGaming market offers tremendous growth opportunities, despite that operators need to navigate a complex and evolving regulatory environment. By understanding local regulations, implementing strong compliance measures, and leveraging localized payment solutions, operators can succeed in this emerging market.

To read more detailed insights and strategies for understanding iGaming regulations, download our whitepaper, “Future-Proofing iGaming: Navigating the Regulatory Maze.”

This article contains general information, and its content should not be relied upon as legal, financial, transactional, or business advice, nor as instructional material. Neither Paysafe Limited (NYSE: PSFE), nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, “Paysafe”), endorses or makes any warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement provided in this article. While Paysafe strives to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its completeness or accuracy. All content contained in or made available in this article is for educational, informational, and/or advertising purposes only. Paysafe supports responsible gambling.