Betsson Secures Peruvian License as Lima Prepares for Full Market Rollout

Betsson Group announced today that it has been granted a full online gaming and sports betting license by Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), clearing the way for a commercial launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. The license, which covers both casino and sportsbook verticals, comes with a mandatory 12% gross gaming revenue tax and adherence to the country's technical standards administered by certified testing labs. Betsson joins a growing roster of licensed operators including Betsson's regional rival Apuesta Total, Betano, and Stake, all of which have moved to establish footholds in the Andean market.

Peru's regulated iGaming framework, which went live in early 2025, has quickly emerged as one of Latin America's more attractive licensing regimes thanks to its relatively moderate tax structure and clear operator obligations. Mincetur data released last month indicated that licensed operators generated approximately 780 million soles (around $210 million) in gross gaming revenue during the first half of 2026, with sports betting accounting for roughly 58% of the total. Officials have credited aggressive enforcement against unlicensed sites — more than 120 domains have been blocked since January — with accelerating channelization toward regulated platforms.

Betsson CEO Pontus Lindwall described the Peruvian entry as a cornerstone of the group's broader LatAm strategy, which already includes operations in Argentina's Buenos Aires province, Colombia, and Chile's soon-to-be-regulated market. "Peru represents a maturing, well-structured environment where our multi-brand approach and proprietary sportsbook technology can deliver strong value from day one," Lindwall said in a statement. The operator confirmed it would localize its Betsson.pe brand with Spanish-language content, sol-denominated wallets, and partnerships with local payment providers including Yape and PagoEfectivo.

Analysts at Regulus Partners noted that Peru's licensed market could exceed $500 million in annual GGR by 2027 if channelization continues at its current pace, though they cautioned that competition is intensifying rapidly. With more than 20 operators now licensed and several major sponsorship deals tied to the Peruvian national football team and Liga 1 clubs, marketing costs are expected to climb sharply heading into 2027, potentially squeezing margins for late entrants.