🧉Uruguay🇺🇾: regulator has already blocked nearly 2,000 illegal gambling platforms and is preparing further measures

🧉Uruguay🇺🇾: regulator has already blocked nearly 2,000 illegal gambling platforms and is preparing further measures

Uruguay's National Directorate of Lotteries and Pools (DNLQ) reported that it blocked 56 additional websites during 2025, adding to those already taken offline in previous operations. According to the regulator, new websites continue to emerge as quickly as others are blocked, creating an ongoing enforcement challenge.

💡 Why is this happening?

💠 Uruguay has an extremely restricted online gambling market. The only authorized online gambling platform is Supermatch, whose betting operations are controlled by the state. All other online gambling websites were prohibited in 2017, giving the regulator broad authority to order website blocking.

💠 Despite these restrictions, land-based gambling remains significant. Annual gambling expenditure is estimated at around USD 700 million, in a country with just over 3 million inhabitants.

💠 This year, the Ministry of Economy introduced new requirements mandating identity verification, biometric data collection, and liveness verification for online players under government oversight. Operators must also obtain the Level 4 Responsible Gaming Certification from the World Lottery Association.

💡 How does enforcement work?

💠 When an illegal website is identified, authorities first issue an official cease-and-desist notice, followed by a blocking order. Operators frequently register new domains, return as offshore platforms, and recruit local intermediaries to process player payments. These intermediaries often present themselves as representatives of licensed operators or advertise their services through social media.

💠 The DNLQ has signed an agreement with Meta, providing the company with monthly lists of fraudulent profiles. The regulator has also implemented artificial intelligence tools to detect illegal activity. During the past year, 50 fraudulent accounts were removed.

💠 Authorities are also dealing with illegal gambling tables operating openly while processing payments online. Some of these operations can generate up to USD 1.5 million in winnings within a few weeks. Because the regulator lacks direct enforcement powers against these venues, it must request intervention from the Ministry of the Interior, although operators often disappear before police arrive.

💡 Context

There have been proposals to partially liberalize the online gambling market, but the government remains concerned about the potential for money laundering. Meanwhile, during major football tournaments—particularly when the national team plays—the number of legal bets typically doubles, increasing from around 35,000 to 70,000–80,000.

#news #Uruguay #gambling #analysis

🌎 payplanet.com verified partner for LatAm, India🇮🇳 Turkey🇹🇷 @pay_planet