Peru Blocks 36 Unauthorized Online Gambling Platforms in Nationwide Crackdown
On July 21, 2026, Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) announced one of its largest enforcement actions to date against illegal gambling operators.
What happened
- 36 unauthorized online gambling and sports betting platforms targeting Peruvian users were blocked for operating without the license required under Law No. 31557 — Peru's framework law regulating online gaming and sports betting.
- Authorities seized 39 illegal slot machines from clandestine gambling venues in Lima (Ancón), Lambayeque (Pomalca) and Piura (Catacaos).
- One additional slot machine was confiscated after it was allegedly used by children and adolescents, in violation of Peru's laws protecting minors.
Who carried it out
The operation was a joint effort between:
- Mincetur, through its General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines,
- the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC),
- the Peruvian National Police (PNP), and
- the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The bigger enforcement picture
This wasn't a one-off. To date, Mincetur has also ordered the closure of:
- 14 sports betting shops, and
- 6 slot machine halls operating illegally.
The government says these actions are part of a broader effort to formalize Peru's gambling industry and promote a safe, responsible gaming environment — a pattern we've been tracking across Latin America on our regulatory portal.
Penalties on the table
Under Peru's Criminal Code, organizing or participating in illegal gambling activities carries:
- 1 to 4 years of imprisonment, and
- additional administrative sanctions.
Mincetur has also encouraged the public to report illegal casinos, betting shops and slot machine venues to help authorities combat unlicensed gambling.
The WagerX read
Peru is following the same playbook we've seen from serious regulators worldwide: license the willing, block the rest, and make the blocklist public. For players, the takeaway is simple — a licensed market means the operators still standing have skin in the game. If you play from a regulated country, check that your casino actually holds the local license before you deposit. Our casino audits flag geo-restrictions for every operator we test.