The Emerging iGaming Markets in Latin America

The online casino industry, also known as the iGaming sector, is growing. In addition to its expansion into several US states, it is also making inroads in Africa and Latin America. In this article, we discuss how countries are changing laws to accommodate the industry and the benefits this can bring. 

Latin America encompasses South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Traditionally these countries have kept casinos in tourist resorts and big cities. Yet as they improve their internet infrastructure and connectivity, the casual gaming market is growing. This encompasses the online casino trade. Read on as we discuss how countries are adapting and the benefits this can bring.  

The growth of the global iGaming industry

Several factors have contributed to the growth of the sector. One is the innovative provision of new and exciting games. A perfect example can be found in the recent boom in crash gaming. This began with the title Aviator and used the concept of a plane projected into the sky. The goal is to bet on its trajectory, which is determined by a random number generator. The longer a player bets, the more the multiplier increases their total. If they don’t cash out by the time the plane crashes, they lose everything.  

This was a pivotal title in the iGaming sector as it shows what the industry has been great at, namely creating games to attract new customers. Crash gaming does not need the skill of poker and other table games, nor does it require the knowledge of complex rules and outcomes that many slot games have. This has allowed it to attract casual players. 

It is not the only example of its ability to adapt. Live casino games are also a phenomenon that has shown how the sector responds to the needs and wants of its customers. Providers such as Jackpot City South Africa are a prime example of how this has been used in emerging global markets, combining a healthy game offering to entice new players. 

Another factor is the legitimacy of online casinos. Using tough regulations put in place by authorities such as the Curacao Gaming Authority, these casinos are now safer and adhere to consumer regulations. Improvements have been made in customer service, and combined with attractive bonuses new customers have been added bit by bit to swell its ranks.  

Latin American countries and changing gambling laws

Across Latin America, regulations are changing so quickly it is hard to keep abreast of them. Large countries such as Brazil have already implemented sweeping changes to laws that govern both physical and online gambling institutions. The aforementioned country voted at the end of 2023 to approve online gambling. The frameworks that govern online gambling are expected to arrive at some point this year. With a huge population in the country, this will be a battleground for the biggest online providers who will want to get a foothold in the door as quickly as possible.  

Even smaller countries and those with less robust digital infrastructure have been changed to allow online gambling. Peru is one example, who has begun to reform laws and even invest in growing the industry in the country. It is expected that around 89% of operators are planning to move into the country in the next few years.  

The benefits of changing gambling laws in Latin America 

When operators open shop in a country, they don’t just contribute via taxation but also through licensing fees. This can bring a lot of revenue into an economy which can be used in education, healthcare and infrastructure. In many cases, operators will also contribute to many of the social factors that are the reasons people oppose them. This can be done through setting up safer gambling initiatives.  

Even though many of these casinos are operated from outside the country, they can enhance employment. In countries like Peru where the government is actively growing the industry, this investment manifests as jobs. Regulation changes also need people to police and oversee them, also adding to this.  

Online gambling is not something that is going to happen in Latin America, it is already there. As more countries change their laws, if governments are astute it could be a great way for them the strengthen their economies. As the industry grows, we could see more countries accepting online gambling over the next few years.

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