Peru’s Vice Minister of Tourism, Nancy Laca Ramos, highlighted the work carried out by the General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines in the country’s gambling regulation process, with particular emphasis on the framework established for the online gaming sector.
The official, who took part in the opening ceremony of the 23rd edition of Peru Gaming Show (PGS), spoke exclusively with Yogonet and stated that Peru’s regulator has been recognized among the best in the world and has become a benchmark for other countries in the region.
Laca Ramos also emphasized the “highly technical” nature of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) ahead of the incoming Peruvian government, which will take office at the end of July.
What are Mincetur’s goals for this new edition of PGS?
Mincetur’s expectation is, once again, to reaffirm its commitment as a sector, as a State, as part of the Executive Branch, and in our role as regulator and supervisor of the casino industry, both land-based and online.
We also want to highlight the importance of tax revenue collection, which ultimately supports areas such as sports and healthcare. The revenue generated by casinos and slot machines helps provide resources for the development of other activities that are important for the country.
This event has witnessed the regulation process of the online sector over recent years. Would you say this is now a consolidated industry?
Yes, definitely. In fact, we are recognized as one of the best regulators in the world. Its director, Yuri Guerra, has more than 25 years of experience and continuously contributes to knowledge management efforts. Based on his expertise, we are invited by different countries and consulted to provide recommendations that can support the regulatory processes of other jurisdictions.
What is the next step for the growth of the iGaming sector?
We have definitely seen very significant progress in terms of tax collection and regulation. This is now a 100% regulated market. I would even dare say that this is an activity that is fully regulated.
Peru has been going through particular political circumstances, yet Mincetur has maintained a technical approach. What is Mincetur’s outlook regarding the new government taking office in July?
Mincetur is characterized by being an eminently technical sector. That applies to trade, exports, tourism, and, indeed, casinos and slot machines. In fact, the professional backgrounds of the people leading the sector confirm that. We will continue working.