Lat Am Regulators Demand Online Casino Stability

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory calls for stability intensify in Latin America amid tax hikes and ad curbs, signaling a maturing market.
• Asia's casino legalization debates gain traction in Thailand, driven by economic pressures.

Stake Urges Regulatory Stability in Lat Am Amid Uncertainty

Stake.com's head of legal and compliance for Latin America, Laura Maria Gomez Bentancur, has called for greater regulatory stability across the region as operators navigate a patchwork of evolving rules. Speaking on September 26, Gomez highlighted persistent challenges including new taxes, advertising restrictions, and compliance hurdles in key markets like Brazil and Peru. Despite Brazil's regulated online launch earlier this year generating excitement, Gomez noted that "regulatory instability" remains a barrier to sustainable growth, urging governments to prioritize consistent frameworks that foster innovation while protecting consumers.

This plea comes at a pivotal time for Lat Am's casino sector, where Brazil's online casino market is projected to reach BRL31 billion in gross gaming revenue by year-end, yet faces ongoing adjustments to KYC requirements and illegal operator crackdowns. Peru's one-year-old framework has similarly boosted licensed activity but introduced ad bans that operators say stifle customer acquisition. Gomez emphasized that stability would attract more international investment, enabling better responsible gambling tools and a wide variety of payment integrations. Without it, she warned, the region risks stunting its potential as a global iGaming powerhouse, particularly for casino products. Industry experts echo this, pointing to Colombia's potential online casino expansion as a model if paired with clear guidelines.

Thailand's Casino Legalization Debate Revived Post-Political Shift

The departure of the Shinawatra political dynasty has reignited discussions on legalizing integrated casino resorts in Thailand, as economic slowdowns underscore the need for tourism revenue. Published on September 18, analysis from industry commentator Muhammad Cohen argues that a weakening economy—projected at just 2% growth this year, half that of regional peers like Indonesia—positions casinos as a viable boost. With stock markets slumping and tourism lagging, proponents see Singapore-style regulated resorts as a path to recoup billions, potentially creating jobs and infrastructure without the pitfalls of unregulated play.

Opposition persists, fueled by fears of social harms akin to Australia's pokie proliferation, but Cohen notes public education on strict controls could sway sentiment. Key figures like Silq Law's Paul Crosio advocate for a "regulatory environment à la Singapore," emphasizing anti-money laundering and player safeguards. This reset follows months of stalled bills, with foreign operators now eyeing partnerships with local entities. If advanced, legalization could mirror Asia's broader trend toward controlled casino growth, benefiting online casino software providers with compliant content and payment processors handling cross-border flows. Thailand's move would mark a significant Lat Am-Asia bridge, drawing expertise from Brazil's recent reforms.

MGM China Tackles Deepfake Fraud Targeting Operators

MGM China has issued a stark warning against a deepfake video scam impersonating executive Pansy Ho, urging industry vigilance on integrity threats. Detected on September 26, the fraudulent clip promotes bogus investment schemes, exploiting Ho's prominence to dupe retail investors. The operator swiftly notified authorities and enhanced monitoring, highlighting the growing cyber risks in Asia's casino sector.

This incident underscores broader integrity actions, as online casino operators worldwide grapple with AI-driven fraud amid regulatory pushes for robust cybersecurity. In a market sensitive to reputational damage, such scams could erode player confidence and invite stricter oversight from bodies like Hong Kong's regulators. MGM's proactive response, including public alerts, serves as a model for partnerships with tech firms to deploy detection tools, ensuring secure payment flows and data integrity.

Light & Wonder Bolsters Leadership for Global Expansion

Light & Wonder has appointed a former Aristocrat executive as executive vice president in a newly created role, signaling strategic pushes into emerging casino markets. Announced September 26, the hire aims to drive innovation in popular online casino games development and compliance, supporting partnerships across 38 regulated jurisdictions.

This move aligns with industry trends toward agile leadership amid regulatory flux, enabling faster integrations with payment processors and software ecosystems. For operators in Lat Am and Asia, it promises enhanced content tailored to local rules, reinforcing market integrity through certified RNGs and responsible features.

Sources:

iGaming Business

Next.io