Uruguay has strict laws governing online gambling, enforced by the Dirección Nacional de Loterías y Quinielas (DNLQ). Only licensed companies with state authorisation are allowed to operate, and any unapproved platform is illegal. To protect users, society, and the integrity of the market, unapproved advertising is also prohibited.
Authorised operators and regulatory framework in Uruguay
Only seven authorised operators in the South American nation are authorised to offer online betting services. Based on Law No. 19,535 and related regulations, the DNLQ oversees these operators to make sure they follow Uruguayan law.
These operators must exclusively use authorised and transparent channels, ensuring security for players and industry stakeholders. In fact, authorisation is not just a procedure but a legal requirement to control the activity and prevent fraud.
The current system establishes that only those companies expressly authorised by the State can market games of chance.
Legality and specific prohibitions for online betting
The operation of casino games and remote betting without authorisation is expressly forbidden by Uruguayan law. Since 2017, this principle has been embodied in Law No. 19,535’s Article 244, which defines any unauthorised online gambling service as unlawful.
Additionally, online modalities of games such as poker, roulette, or slot machines remain prohibited, although some are allowed in physical form under prior authorisation.
The Executive Branch also has the power to block access to illegal websites, cut off financial flows, and ban advertising from unauthorised platforms. This keeps unregulated websites from spreading unchecked and guarantees strong control over the online ecosystem.
Advertising and communication: strict restrictions in force
Promoting online betting beyond the bounds of the law is strictly prohibited in Uruguay. Like other Latin American countries, Uruguay aims to establish a safe online gambling industry, with regulatory frameworks that include licensed operators and strict oversight of business operations. According to the DNLQ’s most recent statement, by taking these precautions, users are encouraged to act proactively and are protected and prevented from using illegal platforms that could pose significant financial or legal risks.
Indeed, the authority may request the immediate cessation of any unlawful advertising and impose significant fines. These fines range between 10,000 and 20,000,000 indexed units (approximately €1,360 to €2,720,000), reflecting the severity with which such violations are treated in the country.
Preventive measures and financial oversight
In addition to penalties for illegal advertising, Uruguay regulates financial flows to prevent authorised payment methods from facilitating transactions linked to unauthorised gambling. Issuers of electronic payment methods, under regulation by the Central Bank of Uruguay, are not allowed to process payments for illegal betting or permit the collection of winnings derived from these activities, according to Decree No. 366/017 of December 21, 2017, Article 1:
“The issuers of electronic payment methods regulated by the Central Bank of Uruguay shall not authorise transactions that involve the use of such instruments for payments associated with the gambling and betting activities referred to in the preceding subsection. Nor may they permit the use of the aforementioned instruments for the collection of prizes arising from such activities.”
A complete defence against the growth of illegal online gaming in the nation is provided by this financial restriction in conjunction with the State’s power to block unlawful websites. The goal is to protect market legitimacy and state control while simultaneously protecting players.
A secure online betting framework
Uruguay is committed to a safe online betting industry, as evidenced by its regulatory framework, which includes licensed operators and strict oversight of business operations. People are protected from using illegal platforms that could pose significant financial or legal risks by taking this precaution. The DNLQ reaffirms the country’s commitment to transparency and security in the realm of online betting by urging all users to always confirm that websites are authorised to avoid legal risks.
This article was first published in Spanish on 2 October 2025.
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