Gambling Industry in Latin America

By 12 May, 2022

Latin America is becoming a significant region for game providers and suppliers. Investors in the gaming industry are looking for potential opportunities in newly-regulated jurisdictions. Any new online casino in the market is witnessing consistent growth.

Latin America is a promising market for the iGaming business. Lots of these new online casinos are now accessible to gamblers. Favorable rules from the regulators are resulting in an outstanding level of development.

The Legality of Gambling in Latin America

Internet gambling is a significant source of revenue for countries. This is the primary reason behind the current status of gambling laws. Internet gambling is legal in Latin American nations, and legalization in each country dates back to different times. The National Lottery “Lotería Nacional” journey has come a long way.

Ecuador and Brazil prohibit internet gambling, except for state lotteries. There are other nations where this isn’t regulated, but it’s also not outright prohibited. Bolivia and Nicaragua regulate internet gambling as part of their comprehensive frameworks for the gaming sector. Elsewhere, Argentina’s internet gambling laws are set according to provinces. Each province has its own set of rules.

Bolivia, Brazil, and Mexico are among the countries exploring or seeking modifications to their internet gambling regulations. Their respective legislatures are now considering the current proposal in the latter two states. Colombia is working to modernize its regulatory system to accommodate the digital era better.

What Does the Latin America Gambling Industry Look Like?

By 2023, the global gaming sector may rise by 50%. This increase is from the current $60 billion to $90 billion. North America and the European markets have influenced its success, but things are changing. Many leading investors from the internet gambling industry aim at the Latin America region due to its huge population and expanding economic strength.

The main big obstacle for investors who want to capitalize in this sector is the legislative agreement. There is no continental legal agreement on land-based casinos and internet gambling. Some countries have more extensive foundations for industry expansion, while others have no gaming laws.

Popular Online Casino Games in Latin America

Football is the most popular sports event among Latin Americans. Almost every famous football player from this region falls into this category. Although sports betting is widespread, internet gambling activities have gained popularity.

There are many online casino games available for gamers to play and bet. Slot machines are the most popular online casino games. Playing these games is a breeze. You need to choose your preferred bet amount and spin the wheel. They are also available in a variety of designs and themes.

Poker is the most played card game. The game is accessible whenever you are. Poker was once so popular in Latin America that PokerStars came up with the idea to sponsor a seasonal event known as the Latin Poker Tour. The competition was available from 2008 to 2016. Games were usually hosted in various places around Latin America, although contestants came from all over the globe. Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Chile had the most games.

Live casino online games have grown common due to their unique gaming style. Players can now enjoy the live betting features in the live casino online since it offers them the feel of traditional-themed online casinos, irrespective of their geolocation. All these games are run in real-time by genuine dealers. Players connect to the games through a live stream and place bets on them in real-time. Live casino online dealer games include blackjack, baccarat, roulette, etc.

The Future of Internet Gambling in Latin America

Experts predict that global trends are a breakthrough for the great future in Latin America’s iGaming markets. Already, there are a lot of people playing in these online casinos. The industry will reach roughly 640 million active players in the coming year. The continent’s leading economies have taken a noticeable interest in gambling services and are working towards building cohesive laws.

Latin America is not a homogeneous block. There may be gambling activities, but there is no agreement on how to control them, the rules, or access them. Nevertheless, each jurisdiction has its context and must embrace betting rather than adopt it. There is a ray of optimism that nations are starting to see the advantages of regulating the business and opening up to the world of gaming.


Follow Sounds and Colours: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Mixcloud / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

Subscribe to the Sounds and Colours Newsletter for regular updates, news and competitions bringing the best of Latin American culture direct to your Inbox.

Share: