Online casinos operate in a legal gray area in Uruguay, as there is currently no specific regulatory framework governing online gambling operations. While land-based gambling has been legal and regulated since 1819, online casino games remain unregulated under Uruguayan law (1). The General Directorate of Casinos (DGC) under the Ministry of Economy and Finance oversees land-based gambling operations, but lacks authority to regulate online casino activities. Currently, only sports betting is permitted online through licensed operators like SuperMatch, operated by La Banca de Quinielas de Montevideo.
The Uruguayan government has been actively blocking access to offshore gambling sites and prohibiting unlicensed operators from targeting Uruguayan players. The Senate approved an online gambling bill in August 2022 that would allow the DGC to regulate and license online casino operations, but the legislation remains stalled in the Chamber of Representatives due to opposition concerns (2). The proposed framework would establish a licensing system, implement responsible gambling measures, and allocate 5-8% of gross gaming revenue to fund problem gambling treatment programs.
"The state will have to be responsible for defining responsible gambling policies to standardize criteria for all casinos in the country."
Uruguay's Congress announced in early 2024 that it would resume debates on online gambling legislation, with Finance Commission President Álvaro Viviano emphasizing that "Uruguay needs some form of regulation for online gambling." If passed, the legislation would create a unified regulatory system under the DGC, establish player protection measures including self-exclusion options, and generate significant tax revenue for the government. However, significant opposition remains in the Chamber of Representatives, with concerns about protecting domestic businesses and preventing gambling-related social issues. Until comprehensive legislation is enacted, Uruguayan players can only legally access online sports betting through licensed domestic operators or continue using offshore casino sites despite government blocking efforts.
Source:
https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-economia-finanzas/direcci%C3%B3n-general-casinos
https://sbcnews.co.uk/southamerica/2024/01/08/uruguay-debate-2024-og/
Last updated: 24-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
