A magazine and organization dedicated to the world of iGaming, Sigma.World features many in-depth articles about the industry. Recently, the text “South American Gaming Market: A Complete Analysis” was published, where the author describes how the gaming sector is present in the South American continent based on the history and legislation of several countries.
First of all, the text points out that gambling laws in South America are as diverse as the cultures and countries in the region, which has more than 410 million inhabitants. As per the analysis, based on demographic data, there are about 307 million players or potential players in the region, as approximately 75% of the population is over 18 years old.
However, it can be noted that almost half of the South American population lives in Brazil, which is hostile to games. This leads many players to cross the country’s borders, gamble illegally, or even opt for online options such as casinos.info, which are allowed in the national territory. On these virtual platforms, it is possible to have fun without leaving home with games similar to those found in physical establishments, such as poker, blackjack, and even bingo.
Legal gambling
Countries like Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Peru allow gaming and have certain regulations for the industry – some more robust than others.
Chile, for example, is known for having the most progressive laws on the continent: in 2005, only seven casinos operated in the country. But over time, the government will provide more licenses to improve tax collection and tourism revenue. Currently, visitors can choose from dozens of casino-resorts in cities such as Santiago, Valparaíso, Arica and Vila del Mar. However, despite being permissive with gambling operators, the Chilean government does not allow slot machines outside licensed casinos. Bingo is also quite popular, but online gambling cannot yet operate based in Chile.
Argentina’s highlight goes to its expressive bingo industry, which allows for grandiose bingo halls and slot machines. In most provinces of the neighboring country it is possible to find legal casinos and horse races where to bet. The largest casino in South America is also located in Argentina, the Casino de Trilenium.
In Uruguay are the oldest casinos in the Americas: the Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel, open since 1921. Horse racing is also allowed, and Uruguayans have accepted gambling for a long time, without many changes in legislation.
Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil
In a group of countries that still cling to precepts from more than a century ago, created mainly by conservative and religiously motivated leaders, Brazil does not have active regulation of gambling. Brazilian lawmakers are trying to create a bridge to unite conservatives and progressives, but the modernization of the law has been the subject of controversy and discussion for more than 30 years.
The largest and most populous country in Latin America, Brazil is often called the “sleeping giant” by game proponents. So far, gambling is banned in all regions, but in 2016 a special commission was established to develop potential regulations for the sports betting industry. In 2018, a breakthrough with the permission of fixed-odds betting, which includes the sports betting sites based abroad.
Today, the bill that seeks to legalize most types of gambling (such as bingos, resort casinos, sports betting and turf) is being discussed in Congress. It passed the Chamber of Deputies this year, but remains stalled in the Senate awaiting progress.
On the subject, Brazilian senator Ângelo Coronel (PSD Bahia) states: “Games should be treated as an economic agenda, no longer as customs. There are estimates that the legalization of games can add up to more than R$ 50 billion in public coffers, resources that would increase Auxílio Brasil by more than 50%. Allied to this, we have the possibility of formalizing more than 500 thousand jobs”.
