Peru: Digital payments boost iGaming, say 4 cash specialists
The expansion of digital payments, along with the new online gambling regulation, is driving an unprecedented transformation in the Peruvian iGaming market. Payment experts analyze how the adoption of e-wallets, financial traceability, and improved user experience are redefining the online betting ecosystem, which already accounts for nearly 50% of the sector’s total operations.
The Peruvian gambling and sports betting market is experiencing its greatest growth phase since the 1980s. After more than 40 years of formal economic activity in traditional verticals—such as lotteries, bingo halls, and slot machines—the country is now undergoing a digital boom fueled by internet penetration, financial inclusion, and the rise of e-wallets.
During the Latam Epayment Summit 2025, organized by the Peruvian Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CAPECE), four industry payment leaders agreed that the digitalization of deposits and withdrawals is the pillar supporting the growth of Peruvian iGaming.
“The pandemic accelerated a transformation that was already underway: many in-person bettors migrated to the online channel, and that change became structural,” explained Guillermo Johanson, country manager of Payvalida, who highlighted the exponential market growth after 2020.
Meanwhile, Micha Calmet, country manager of ProntoPaga, estimated that between 50% and 60% of sports bets in Peru are already placed online, a percentage that will continue to rise thanks to the expansion of mobile internet and easy access to secure platforms.
Regulation and market maturity
The enactment of Law No. 31557, which regulates remote betting and gaming since February 2024, marked a turning point.
“The regulation organized the industry and attracted international operators. Many houses that previously operated informally now do so under license, creating a safer environment for everyone,” stated Francisco Rodríguez, co-CEO of Do Payment.
The law requires official licenses and establishes a 12% tax on gross income, which strengthens state revenue and guarantees greater consumer protection.
According to MINCETUR data, 115 platforms operated in Peru at the beginning of 2024 (86 foreign and 29 national), and 60 already hold official licenses under the new regulation.
Snapshot of the gambling market in Peru
According to ENV Media, the Peruvian gambling market reached a total value of USD 2.5 billion in 2024, of which 52% corresponded to in-person bets (USD 1.3 billion) and 48% to the digital channel (USD 1.2 billion).
The country has 6 million active players, representing 24% of the adult population, and 3.5 million of them already bet online.
The average annual revenue per user (ARPU) in the online channel was USD 502, 13.6% higher than the previous year, while the average bet ticket was USD 80 for the total market and USD 100 in the digital environment.
However, CAPECE anticipates a slight reduction in the average ticket as the frequency of play increases and new users who place smaller bets join.
The digital payments revolution
Experts agreed that agile and secure payment methods are the main competitive differentiator for operators.
“In Peru, bank transfers remain predominant, accounting for nearly 60% of transactions, but digital wallets like Yape and Plin already represent between 20% and 25%,” Rodríguez (Do Payment) specified.
Calmet (ProntoPaga) added that immediacy and security are the most valued factors: “Users want to see their bet reflected instantly. That speed, along with ease of payment, is reducing the average ticket and increasing the frequency of play.”
However, Johanson (Payvalida) warned of a persistent challenge: cash out. “Receiving winnings payments remains the weakest point. Solutions for instant withdrawals are being worked on, but there are still delays that affect user perception,” he noted.
Security and fraud prevention
The digital expansion also demands strengthening cybersecurity.
Peruvian operators are implementing two-factor authentication, tokenization, and intelligent transaction monitoring to prevent fraud and money laundering.
“The sector handles large volumes of money, so security is critical. We apply technology to ensure secure transactions and detect suspicious operations in real time,” emphasized Johanson.
From Do Payment, Rodríguez highlighted the importance of data analysis and risk control lists:
“We maintain user databases on black and gray lists to detect possible fraud and alert our merchants. Additionally, we train clients to avoid transactions with fake vouchers or unauthorized third parties.”
The future of iGaming in Peru
With a solid user base, regulatory advances, and an expanding payments ecosystem, Peru is consolidating as one of the most dynamic markets in Latin America.
The challenge now will be to optimize the user experience, reduce payment times, and maintain a balance between innovation, control, and sustainability.
The combination of instant digital payments, effective regulation, and financial education could turn Peru into a regional model for responsible iGaming development, capable of attracting investments, ensuring transparency, and offering a competitive and secure environment.
Tags: Peru, iGaming Peru, payment methods Peru, Latam Epayment Summit 2025