Mincetur closes unauthorized online sports betting in Peru
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) carried out new operations against illegal gambling in Peru, ordering the closure of two establishments that operated as online sports betting centers without the proper license. The interventions took place in the regions of La Libertad and Apurímac, where it was confirmed that both venues operated outside the current regulations.
The actions were carried out under the framework of Law No. 31557, which regulates the exploitation of remote games and sports betting. During the inspections, Mincetur’s technical teams seized 24 computers used to process bets on unauthorized digital platforms. The intervened venues operated in the district of La Esperanza (La Libertad) and in the city of Andahuaylas (Apurímac), where it was verified that they offered services prohibited by law.
Strengthening national oversight
The authority reiterated that it will continue expanding operations throughout the country in coordination with the National Police of Peru, aiming to eradicate clandestine gambling and ensure that sector activities are conducted only under regulated conditions. Mincetur recalled that by 2025 it plans to supervise 100% of the remote betting and gaming market, reinforcing its control strategy.
The ministry also emphasized that the Penal Code establishes penalties of one to four years in prison for those who manage or promote illegal betting, in addition to administrative sanctions for operators and owners of involved establishments.
Recent actions against irregular gambling
The closures add to a series of operations carried out this year. To date, Mincetur has ordered the closure of eleven betting halls operating outside the legal framework. Additionally, the entity carried out the destruction of 557 slot machines seized in different regions of the country, as a result of interventions in Lima, Áncash, Cajamarca, Huánuco, Loreto, Arequipa, Pasco, San Martín, and Junín.
Of that total, 359 machines came from completely irregular establishments, while 198 devices were confiscated for being associated with risk situations involving minors, an aspect that the authority has established as a priority in its oversight actions.
Tags: Peru, online betting Peru, Mincetur Perú, illegal online casinos Peru