On November 17, 2025, Peru initiated a 15-day public consultation designed to gather industry feedback on a new set of anti-money laundering (AML) rules aimed at unifying the regulatory framework for both online and physical gambling establishments. This marks a pivotal move by Peru’s national regulator to include casinos and slot machine venues under the umbrella of AML regulations, which were previously enforced only on online operators.
The Superintendency of Banking, Insurance, and Private Pension Fund Administrators (SBS) has issued this draft rule through Resolution No. 04033-2025. This proposal is a direct extension of Resolution No. 03622-2025, which was implemented in October for online gambling platforms. The aim is to establish a consistent standard across the entire gambling sector, ensuring that financial operations, regardless of their medium, adhere to stringent AML guidelines.
The proposal targets casinos and slot halls, environments recognized for their high transaction volumes and heavy cash flow, thereby posing higher money-laundering risks. By integrating these physical venues into the existing regulatory framework, Peru seeks to enhance the integrity and transparency of its gambling industry.
The 15-day consultation period provides a platform for operators, associations, and other stakeholders to submit their comments and suggestions. This feedback will be crucial as it is reviewed by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Peru (UIF-Peru), which plays a critical role in shaping the final version of the regulation.
The new rules aim to align with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), focusing on several key areas. These include due diligence procedures, mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions, comprehensive transaction monitoring, and robust internal controls. The draft stipulates that land-based operators must appoint dedicated compliance officers, undergo regular audits, and ensure staff are well-trained in AML procedures.
These requirements mirror those already imposed on online gambling companies, which have been expected to maintain full AML compliance systems, conduct thorough audits, and manage operations exceeding specific financial thresholds since the enactment of Resolution No. 03622-2025. By demanding the same level of compliance from physical venues, the SBS underscores its commitment to creating a level playing field in the gambling sector.
The implications of these proposed rules are significant. For industry players, the shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, operators will face heightened scrutiny and will need to invest in compliance infrastructure, including reporting technology and staff training programs. On the other hand, this regulatory alignment opens doors for service providers specializing in compliance solutions, risk management tools, and educational services to support the sector’s transition.
A critical consideration for operators is how this unified approach to AML regulation will impact their operations. The expectation of uniform compliance across all gambling platforms suggests increased operational costs. However, the move also promises a more transparent and secure market environment, which could enhance consumer trust and ultimately benefit the industry.
Not everyone views this regulatory tightening as a positive development. Some industry observers argue that the increased compliance burden could stifle smaller operators who may not have the resources to meet these stringent requirements. There is a concern that the cost of compliance could lead to consolidation in the sector, with smaller entities being absorbed by larger, more financially capable organizations.
Yet, proponents of the regulation assert that a unified AML framework is essential for protecting the integrity of Peru’s gambling industry and for maintaining its reputation on the international stage. The move is seen as a necessary evolution that aligns Peru’s gambling regulations with global best practices, thereby enhancing the sector’s appeal to foreign investors and stakeholders.
The outcome of the consultation and the speed with which the SBS finalizes the regulation will be watched closely by all involved. The regulator’s decision on whether to adopt the new rules will set the tone for the future of gambling regulation in Peru. Operators will need to closely follow developments to ensure they are prepared for potential changes and can adapt their operations accordingly.
In essence, Peru’s efforts to implement a unified AML system reflect a broader trend seen in many jurisdictions worldwide, where the emphasis is increasingly on regulatory cohesion and transparency. This approach not only mitigates the risk of financial crime but also promotes a more robust and reliable gambling industry. It raises an important question for the industry: how will stakeholders adjust to these new expectations, and what strategies will they employ to thrive in a more regulated environment?
As the consultation period progresses, the dialogue between regulators and industry participants will be crucial in shaping a regulatory landscape that balances the need for robust financial oversight with the operational realities of the gambling industry. The outcome will likely serve as a benchmark for future regulatory initiatives in the region and beyond.
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