Uruguay backs bill to regulate online gambling

Uruguayan casino operators are pushing a bill to legalize and regulate online gambling under a system of state authorization and regulatory oversight. The initiative, reported by Yogonet and picked up by GGNews, would allow only licensed companies to operate and adds requirements for traceability, personal data protection, cybersecurity, self-exclusion tools, anti-money laundering measures, and steps to address problem gambling.

What does the bill propose?

The text aims to bring online gambling under a specific legal framework instead of leaving it to operators without oversight, according to Yogonet’s coverage. GGNews said the proposal from the Chamber of Operators and Lessors of Casino and Showroom Services, CUOASEC, requires state authorization for all online gambling activity. It also says only licensed companies could operate, under regulatory supervision.

Who would it apply to?

According to Yogonet’s Italian edition, the proposed model links online gambling exclusively to operators already authorized to run physical casinos in Uruguay. That would reserve licenses for companies that currently operate land-based casinos and are represented in CUOASEC. The regulated market would therefore be limited to actors already known to the regulator.

What compliance obligations does it include?

Yogonet’s coverage says the bill includes traceability of transactions, personal data protection, problem gambling prevention, anti-money laundering measures, cybersecurity requirements, self-exclusion mechanisms, and a sanctions regime. GGNews confirmed the central role of compliance and regulatory oversight, although it did not add further details on cybersecurity, data, or money laundering.

The starting point is a sector-led initiative from Uruguay’s casino industry to move online gambling into a regulated framework. The model that emerged in the reporting combines state licensing, control over authorized operators, and operational obligations covering security, traceability, and user protection.