Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) reported that, a little more than a year after having implemented the law that regulates the online sector, it has been able to reduce by 40% the offer of illegal games in digital platforms and applications.

In a public statement, the Executive portfolio in charge of regulating gambling also highlighted that, thanks to the inspection work, 15% of the illegal websites “have left the Peruvian market” and that “payment methods providers and financial entities have been contacted to block services to unauthorized operators”.

Based on this, Mincetur highlighted that “Peru has managed to position itself as a regional referent in the integral regulation of gambling” and that, through the normative framework, it was possible to “protect the consumer, guarantee transparency in the operations and promote the formal and sustainable economic development”.

The Ministry highlighted that with the implementation of Law No 31557, which regulates sports betting and online games, “the country became the third country in Latin America to establish clear regulations for this activity”.

“Since its entry into force in February 2024, 60 technological platforms have been authorized and 280 linked service providers have been registered, as well as the accreditation of nine international certification laboratories,” Mincetur said.

In this regard, the Ministry stated that “this regulation has made it possible to formalize the digital sector, promoting an environment of trust for both operators and users.” At the same time, it has allowed “new investment opportunities, boosting the digitalization of entertainment and strengthening the country’s tax collection”.

Coljuegos, the regulatory authority overseeing gambling sites in Colombia, has intensified its efforts to block illegal gambling websites. Coljuegos will now directly send requests to Internet Service Providers to block websites that operate online games without paying the respective royalties.

Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié said this strategy will be implemented based on Circular 017 of 2025, issued by the Ministry of ICT, which defined the guidelines and procedures for blocking websites dedicated to the exploitation, sale, payment, or advertising of unauthorized games of chance.

“From the Government of Change, we are working together to protect the gambling industry. After several roundtable discussions with the Ministry of Information and Communications (MINTIC), we were able to simplify the process of blocking illegal gambling websites,” Hincapié said.

The president of the entity highlighted that, to date, nearly 26,600 blocking orders have been issued to unauthorized betting sites.

“With this new procedure, we hope to block illegal platforms more quickly. We will no longer have to submit requests to different entities; instead, we will be able to order blocks directly from internet providers,” Hincapié said.

This Ministry of Information and Communications (MINTIC) measure is issued in compliance with Decree 0175 of 2025, which adopted tax measures due to the state of internal unrest declared by the National Government.

“In addition to fighting illegal operators, our goal is to protect resources for peace and health, as well as provide greater safeguards for the 14 authorized operators in the country,” Hincapié added.

Rising sports betting platform LuckBet has been announced as the master sponsor for LFA 209, the first edition of the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) to be held in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The event, widely known as the top development platform for future UFC fighters, takes place May 24 at the Malai Manso Resort, in Chapada dos Guimarães, and represents a major milestone for mixed martial arts in the region.

The sponsorship deal includes on-site brand visibility, exclusive content for social media, and live activations during the event, which will be broadcast live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

“We’re proud to be the only betting company from Mato Grosso legally operating in Brazil,” said Ivan Dutra, CEO of LuckBet. “This sponsorship is a strategic move to connect with a new audience while promoting a globally respected sport. It’s even more meaningful as the LFA makes its debut in our home state.”

High Stakes in the Cage

LFA 209’s main event features Brazilians Inglesson De Lara and Bruno “Xinoco” Henrique, battling it out in the featherweight division. The event marks LFA’s 22nd event in Brazil since expanding internationally in 2021 and is the second time the promotion touches down in the Central-West Region, following a prior event in the Federal District.

This edition is supported by the Mato Grosso Secretary of Culture, Sports and Leisure (SECEL-MT) and held at the Malai Manso Resort, the only all-inclusive resort in the Central-West certified by the Brazilian Resorts Association (ABR).

Broadcast starts at 9 PM (Brasília time) / 8 PM (Mato Grosso time) and features live Portuguese commentary by UFC legend and ambassador Rogério Minotouro.