The Uruguayan Chamber of Casino Operators and Service Lessees (Cuoasec) has presented a framework for regulating online gambling and submitted it to the country’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and political representatives.
The proposal has not yet been introduced to Parliament. Cuoasec argues that online gambling is already expanding in Uruguay without a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Online licences would be linked to land-based casinos
The central proposal is to allow online gambling only to companies that already hold a licence to operate a land-based casino.
Cuoasec says the model would make it easier for the state to identify operators and bring them under existing regulatory oversight.
The chamber also proposes using the bet.uy domain for licensed online gambling operators, allowing consumers to distinguish regulated platforms from illegal sites.
The proposal is based on the principle that gambling should be illegal unless it is expressly authorised by the state through direct operation, concessions, tenders or another legal mechanism.
Self-exclusion and player protection included
The proposed framework would include self-exclusion, measures to prevent minors from gambling, transparency requirements and transaction traceability.
Cuoasec also wants to establish a fund for gambling addiction prevention and treatment, financed by revenue generated by the regulated market.
Cuoasec executive secretary Luis Gama said the scale of illegal online gambling requires greater government involvement.
“First you need to know who you’re controlling, and which companies you allow to run online gambling for you,” Gama said.
Uruguay is considering competing regulatory models
Cuoasec has already presented its proposal to representatives of Frente Amplio, Cabildo Abierto, Partido Independiente and the Colorado Party. The proposal is also being reviewed by the General Directorate of Casinos within MEF.
A separate model has previously been proposed by Senator Felipe Carballo. His approach would create a state-run online gambling platform and a national regulatory agency responsible for licensing operators, monitoring transactions and maintaining a national player register.
Uruguay is therefore considering competing approaches to online gambling regulation - one based on existing casino operators and another centred on a state platform and dedicated regulator.
Source: SBC Noticias
