Latin America faces gap in responsible gaming awareness
Playtech has released the third edition of its report focused on the gaming industry in Latin America, highlighting a significant shift in player preferences and perceptions in the region. The report reveals that platform security and effective regulation are emerging as key factors to strengthen player trust in markets such as Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. It also highlights a deficit in seeking support for responsible gaming.
With a sample of 2,500 players from the region, the report provides an analysis of market dynamics, consumer expectations, and opportunities for operators and technology platforms in the growing gaming sector in Latin America.
Security and regulations drive trust in Latin America
According to Playtech‘s report, users are increasingly attentive to the legality and transparency of the platforms they bet on. This has been primarily driven by the implementation of new regulations in Brazil and Peru, which have increased confidence in the sector.
In Brazil, which introduced online betting regulations this year, only 25% of respondents mentioned concern about fraud or gaming-related risks as a reason to avoid betting. In Peru, where regulations have also been tightened, 92% of players claim to bet at least once a month, reflecting a clear correlation between regulation and consumer behaviour. Additionally, 80% of Peruvians support the implementation of stricter restrictions on betting advertising, a trend also reflected in Argentina, where 77% of respondents support similar measures.
Colombia, which has been a pioneer in online gaming regulation in the region since 2016, has emerged as the most consolidated and mature market. 58% of Colombian players indicate that payment speed and reliability are the most critical factors when selecting a platform, suggesting that companies that manage to offer an agile and secure user experience will have a competitive advantage in this market.
Chile, although presenting a lower level of regulatory maturity, is also seeing changes in consumer perceptions. 63% of Chilean players claim to feel safer using legal and registered platforms. However, only 15% consider themselves fully informed about current regulations.
Responsible gaming
Playtech’s report also underscores that responsible gaming is not only a priority but also a competitive advantage for online gaming platforms in Latin America. Age verification and transparency in gaming policies are two of the most valued aspects by players. In Argentina, 88% of respondents support the implementation of stricter measures to prevent minors from accessing betting platforms.
Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, highlighted the importance of these trends during the launch of the report:
“Since the release of the first edition in 2020, our goal has been to provide the sector with a deeper understanding of the specific needs and challenges of the region. Markets like Brazil and Peru present significant opportunities for growth and innovation. Playtech is excited to play a key role as a technology partner, contributing to the sustainable growth of the online entertainment sector.”
In an industry that is advancing rapidly, operators will need to adapt at the same pace to meet player expectations while complying with emerging regulatory standards.
Deficit in seeking support for responsible gaming
A critical aspect highlighted in Playtech’s report is the lack of knowledge about how to seek help for gaming-related problems in Latin America. Despite growing regulation and a safer environment for players, many still do not know the resources available to manage problematic behaviours. In Colombia, only 23% of players know where to go for support, a similar trend in other markets like Mexico (22%), Peru (24%), and Chile (25%). This gap in access to information and assistance could hinder the development of a genuinely responsible gaming market in the region.
The report concludes that the consolidation of a regulated and secure environment will be the determining factor for the sustainable success of the online gaming market in Latin America. Operators who manage to offer a transparent, safe, and player-preference-adapted gaming experience will be better positioned to capitalise on the growth of this dynamic sector.
This article was first published in Spanish on 20 March 2025.
