The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) carried out an operation in Puno as part of its efforts to combat unauthorised gambling. A sports betting premises in Juliaca, Puno, operating without legal authorisation, was shut down. Fifteen computer systems were seized, all carried out under Law No. 31557.
Firm intervention in Juliaca
Mincetur took serious action by raiding a premises in the district of Juliaca, in the province of San Román (Puno). Remote sports betting operations were being conducted there without any legal authorisation. Inspectors moved quickly to fully seal the premises. Fifteen computers used to manage these online betting activities were also seized.
This closure was carried out under the provisions of Law No. 31557, which strictly regulates remote betting and gaming, as well as its corresponding regulations. The official statement from Mincetur’s Communications Office noted that “the intervention was carried out within the framework of Law No. 31557, which regulates the operation of remote gaming and sports betting and its respective regulations.
During the operation, a total of fifteen computers used for online betting were seized.” However, this is not an isolated incident. The ministry made it clear that such inspections will be intensified.
Intensifying nationwide operations
Mincetur is not stopping there. The ministry reaffirmed its plan to oversee all remote gaming and sports betting activities throughout the country during 2026. The National Police of Peru will support these efforts, helping protect users from risks or irregular practices.
These actions send a strong and unequivocal message: no one operates outside the law without facing consequences. Meanwhile, the authorities are calling on citizens to assist in identifying any irregularities as quickly as possible. As part of its supervisory duties, the ministry continues to strengthen its measures against unlicensed establishments, reaffirming its commitment to foster a formal, safe, and responsible market.
In fact, the statement emphasises that “Mincetur reaffirmed it will continue to intensify inspection operations throughout the country, with the support of the National Police of Peru, in order to eradicate illegal gambling and protect users’ rights. Thus, in 2026, 100% of remote gaming and sports betting activities will be subject to nationwide supervision.”
Illegal gambling in Peru carries up to four years’ imprisonment
The Peruvian Penal Code establishes prison sentences ranging from one to four years, as well as administrative sanctions, for anyone who promotes or participates in illegal gambling activities. In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism urged the public to report any irregular operations.
Article 243. Prohibited games: “Anyone who organises, operates or habitually participates in games of chance not authorised by law shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than four years, a fine of thirty to ninety days, or both, depending on the severity of the case.”
Mincetur remains firmly committed to advancing the eradication of unauthorised gambling. The ministry has made available the email address [email protected] and the phone line (01) 513-6113 for the reporting of activities related to illegal gambling.
A formal, regulated market safeguards users, promotes transparency and prevents the spread of illicit platforms. The shutdown in Puno marks the beginning of a more rigorous inspection period across the country.
This article was first published in Spanish on 2 March 2026.
Step inside the world’s biggest iGaming community. Join HERE for weekly updates from the world’s iGaming authority and unlock subscriber-only offers.
