Peru went through a very long phase in which gambling was not considered a legal activity. The 62nd president of the country, Alberto Fujimori, was the one that finally legalized land-based gambling back in 1994. Alberto updated the law and passed an act that allowed people to gamble on various casino machines.
But, the act was extremely unstable, and it didn’t take long before it fumbled. When a new party was elected to govern Peru in 2000, its legality fell and gambling was considered illegal. But, a study in 2004 found out that there are many illegal facilities that operate in the country. In fact, only 5% of all gambling-related activities were legal in the country.
After debating and researching for a few years, in 2007, president Alejandro Toledo passed the Reordering and Formalization of Casino and Slot Machines Law. With this act, all parlors and illegal casinos were able to register and obtain a license to operate. Hence, land-based gambling became legal once again.
That was a major step forward as it allowed Peru to thrive and become one of the centers in the world when it comes to gambling. But, the interesting part about the laws was that online gambling was never regulated in the acts. So, this activity falls in the third category (unregulated) and it is in the law’s gray area. Peruvians are free to access online casinos, register, and play every casino game that the chosen site offers.
Not only that, but the government became extremely lenient for online casinos that are based in Peru, as well. In many countries around the world, even though the residents are free to access online casinos, operators are not allowed to be based in the country. Peru is an exception to that rule. Although the law does not specify whether online operators are allowed to be based in Peru, the government will not chase them nor penalize them.
Gambling nowadays in Peru
These days, almost all forms of gambling in Peru are legal. Slot machines, casino games, horse racing, sports betting, bingo, and lotteries are just a few of the legalized activities. Players also access online casinos to play some of the best games that are created by some of the world’s most reputable providers quite regularly.
Due to the loose regulations, Peru is considered one of the centers in the world when it comes to gambling. This industry is a massive contributor to the economy as Peru’s government receives millions of dollars in taxes and casinos employ thousands of people. Speaking of the taxes in the country, it is worth mentioning that the taxes for the gambling industry are pretty high these days.