The Uruguayan Chamber of Operators and Lessors of Casino Services and Entertainment Rooms (CUOASEC) presented to the Executive Branch a proposal to regulate online gambling in the country. The plan provides for state authorization, oversight of operators, blocking of illegal platforms and user identification and control mechanisms.
Among the main measures are the creation of the exclusive domain “.bet.uy” for licensed companies and of a National User RegistryThe entity also proposes requirements related to data protection, money laundering prevention, cybersecurity and responsible gambling.
Operators would need state authorization
Under the model defended by CUOASEC, any company interested in operating gambling over the internet would need to obtain authorization from the State and would be subject to oversight by the competent authorities.
The proposal also provides for greater traceability of operations and tools for preventing problem gambling, including player protection measures. Rules against money laundering and terrorist financing are also part of the framework presented by the entity.
To combat the irregular market, the Chamber defends the blocking of unauthorized platformsThe “.bet.uy” domain would serve as a way to identify operators that received a license to operate legally in the country.
The National User Registry, in turn, would be used to expand control of the activity and traceability within the regulated market.
Private online casinos are currently prohibited
The proposal would require changes to the current Uruguayan legal framework. Law No. 19,535 establishes that casino games such as poker, roulette and slots are prohibited in online mode, except for specific authorizations provided for in the legislation.
The National Directorate of Lotteries and Quinielas (DNLQ) also maintains mechanisms to block unauthorized betting sites. According to the agency, Supermatch is currently the only betting platform authorized by DNLQ in Uruguayan territory.
The legislation already allows the blocking of website addresses that offer gambling or online betting without authorization. Decree No. 366/017 regulates this procedure and also addresses the blocking of financial flows linked to irregular activity.
Private sector wants space in the digital market
CUOASEC brings together companies linked to some of Uruguay's main private casinos, including operations associated with Codere, Enjoy Punta del Este, Victoria Plaza Casino, Rivera Casino & Resort, Salto Hotel & Casino and Santa Cristina Hotel & Casino.
The entity states that the companies it represents have accumulated investments exceeding US$ 600 million in the country and generate about 20,000 direct and indirect jobsThe numbers are estimates presented by the sector itself.
Luis Gama, executive secretary of CUOASEC, had already argued that physical casino operators should have the possibility to compete for individual licenses in the digital market. The entity argues that the advance of online gambling is gradually reducing the share of in-person operations.
The presentation to the Executive, however, does not immediately change the rules in forceOpening the market would depend on progress on a legislative change and the definition of points such as licensing criteria, oversight and other conditions for operators to operate.
