Uruguay plans major gambling reform to unlock $600M growth

Uruguay could be on the verge of a major overhaul of its gambling framework, with early industry estimates suggesting a modernised regulatory regime could generate up to $600 million in investment and create as many as 20,000 new jobs. The projections were presented by the newly established Chamber for Casino Services Operators and Investors, formed to advise the government on gambling policy, investment, and consumer protection.

The initiative aligns with President Yamandú Orsi’s pledge to introduce a unified gambling law governing all adult gambling activities. Currently, Uruguay’s sector operates under a fragmented legal structure spread across multiple laws and regulations, a system widely viewed by stakeholders as outdated and ill-suited to modern digital gambling markets.

The Chamber brings together many of the country’s leading casino concession-holders, including Grupo Codere, Baluma S.A., Compañía Rioplatense de Hoteles, Manteo S.A., Naranpark S.A., and Mirador Campero S.A. Collectively, they represent the core of Uruguay’s regulated casino and resort gaming industry.

According to Chamber executives, reform is essential to encourage investment while addressing illegal gambling and regulatory gaps, particularly in online betting. While Uruguay maintains strict controls and enforcement powers, industry leaders argue that outdated penalties and legal structures are no longer effective in the digital era.

Lawmakers have begun reviewing early reform proposals, though some have been criticised as limited in scope. Industry representatives continue to stress that only a comprehensive, transparent, and future-ready regulatory framework will allow Uruguay to protect players, attract investment, and remain competitive in the regional and global gambling market.