Stake LatAm compliance chief Laura Maria Gomez Betancur has called for regulatory stability amid ongoing uncertainty in the region’s emerging online gambling markets. With Brazil launching its regulated online market earlier this year and Peru following last year, operators are navigating a new regulatory landscape that includes consumption taxes and potential advertising restrictions.
Gomez highlighted the importance of allowing these markets to mature before implementing major regulatory changes. She warned that overregulation could unintentionally push players toward black market platforms, particularly in Brazil where a provisional tax increase from 12% to 18% has been introduced alongside new advertising measures.
To address compliance requirements, Stake has focused on educating players about KYC procedures, including facial recognition technology, to ensure both safety and regulatory adherence. Internally, Gomez has developed guidelines to help teams support players and explain the importance of identity verification.
Despite these challenges, Gomez remains positive about the future of LatAm iGaming. She emphasised that emerging markets present a unique opportunity to build strong relationships with regulators, establish reputations, and implement best practices from other jurisdictions. Collaboration with regulators is central to Stake’s strategy, allowing for mutual understanding and practical compliance solutions.
Gomez concluded that while the region faces regulatory uncertainty, it remains the “place to be” for operators seeking growth. Stake’s approach underscores the importance of balancing regulatory compliance with market development, setting an example for sustainable expansion in Latin America’s rapidly evolving iGaming sector.
