Latin America
Brazil is not friendly to ‘amateurs’ warns Online IPS partner Witoldo Hendrich Junior ahead of attendance at ICE London

Veteran industry lawyer Witoldo Hendrich Junior, Chief Legal Officer (Brazil) and Partner at registered payment facilitator Online IPS has warned of the significant dangers of attempting to enter LatAm markets prematurely and without the necessary knowledge. Speaking ahead of the company’s appearance at ICE London (stand N10-585) the Online IPS partner, who has lectured in taxation as a University Professor in Rio for close to 20-years, stated: “Taking Brazil as an example, with a population of 220 million, the country is on course to become one of the most important sports betting markets in the world but one which requires specialist and expert support. Here in Brazil, we admit that Brazil is not friendly to ‘amateurs’. Taxation has historically been known for being very challenging and complex, and the recent political involvement from the Supreme Court into legislative and executive matters definitely compromised the confidence in legal certainty.
“We will be using our appearance at ICE London to explain our entry strategy for organizations wishing to operate in Brazil, as well as the special tax treatment enabling merchants to take funds out of the country in a legally compliant manner, using Central Bank regulations. Our goal is simple and that’s to allow Chief Compliance Officers to relax confidently and Chief Financial Officers to rest easy!”
Emphasizing the importance of taking a country-by-country approach to entering LatAm he stated: “Contrary to Europe, each country in LatAm works very differently, with varying legislation, processes, and standings on the igaming space. Entering multiple countries in LatAm involves starting from scratch in each one.
“Legislation regulating igaming is also very new in LatAm and there are various rules and specifications to abide by in each country that differ from the next. Not reviewing them thoroughly or understanding clearly can lead to obstacles, hindering the ability for potential merchants to do business in the region. These are important realities European companies must account for when considering entering LatAm.”
Hendrich, who has two decades of legal experience in Brazil with expertise in gambling regulation after spending eight-years in the industry, added: “Online IPS is a registered payment facilitator in the LatAm region with local offices in the countries we operate, with teams in each specializing in the operations and regulations of each country. We have offices in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Mexico with Chile on the horizon for the end of 2022. The partners and management staff of Online IPS are seasoned professionals with decades of combined experience in the international payment industry. The best insight we can give into the LatAm market is that having a local strategy/approach is the best way to succeed in the region. This is exactly what we can offer our merchants, to aid in their success in the region and ease entry to market barriers.”
Welcoming the return of ICE London he said: “The industry has certainly missed the show. ICE is a critical component of the industry and with the sector going through so many changes and growth in the last couple of years, the industry is definitely ready to come together during ICE and immerse itself in all the new opportunities the space has to offer.
“In-person interactions create a sense of community, connection, and empathy that digital communications technology cannot match. As a merchant service provider, we not only place great value in the customer service we provide but the close relationships we build with partners and merchants. It’s the intangibles that count, such as a new connection formed over a drink or a degree of trust established from a friendly conversation and a handshake. These are what help us as a company, to build the trust needed to develop the tailored-made solutions merchants require to succeed. Ultimately attending ICE helps us keep our finger on the pulse of what is going on in the sector and allows us to do a more thorough analysis through conversations, discussions and the overall show environment. It’svitally important.”
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Compliance Updates
Peru Reports 40% Drop in Illegal Online Gambling

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”.
The post Peru Reports 40% Drop in Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Coljuegos
Colombia’s Coljuegos Intensifies its Efforts to Block Illegal Gambling Websites

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.
The post Colombia’s Coljuegos Intensifies its Efforts to Block Illegal Gambling Websites appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Ivan Dutra CEO of LuckBet
LuckBet Named Master Sponsor of LFA 209, Marking MMA History in Mato Grosso

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.
The post LuckBet Named Master Sponsor of LFA 209, Marking MMA History in Mato Grosso appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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