TLDR Cuoasec submitted a new legal framework for online gambling to Uruguay’s Ministry of Economy and Finance The proposal would only allow online gambling licenses for businesses that already run physical casinos The plan includes self-exclusion tools, protections for minors and a fund for gambling addiction treatment Cuoasec has reached out to leaders from several political parties, but the bill has not gone to Parliament A separate state-led proposal from Senator Felipe Carballo offers a different approach to regulation
Uruguay is debating how to regulate online gambling. The Uruguayan Chamber of Casino Operators and Service Lessees, known as Cuoasec, has presented a new legal framework for the sector.
The group sent its proposal to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It also shared the plan with members of several political parties.
The bill has not yet been presented to Parliament. It is still in early discussion stages.
Cuoasec says online gambling has grown in Uruguay without proper legal oversight. Executive secretary Luis Gama said the lack of public discussion about the topic is a problem.
He said staying silent on the issue is the worst outcome as online gambling keeps expanding across the country.
A Framework Built On Physical Casinos
The proposal has one main rule. Online gambling licenses would only go to businesses that already operate physical casinos.
Cuoasec says this would make it easier to identify operators. It would also make sure they follow existing rules.
The draft states that gambling is illegal unless the state directly allows it. This could happen through direct operation, concessions or tenders.
Businesses that want to invest in online gambling would need authorization first. That authorization would depend on the operator already running a physical casino.
The plan also calls for all legal online gambling sites to use the