CUOASEC proposes online gambling regulation, platform blocking, and a “.bet.uy” domain in Uruguay

Uruguay’s CUOASEC is pushing for a specific legal framework for online gambling, with state authorization, tighter controls, and tools aimed at separating licensed operators from the illegal market. For PSPs, acquirers, and banking partners, the important part is not the slogan; it is the operating model: who can run, who gets blocked, and what kind of traceability the market will require.

1. CUOASEC says the growth of online gambling platforms requires a dedicated regulatory framework that clearly defines the state’s powers and creates effective supervision and enforcement mechanisms.
2. Under the proposal, every gambling operation would need state authorization, and operations would be limited to licensed providers subject to oversight by the competent authorities. The goal, according to the Chamber, is a regulated online gambling market with greater transparency and traceability.
3. The draft also includes user protection, responsible gambling, and measures to prevent gambling addiction. It adds tools tied to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, as well as cybersecurity and personal data protection.
4. On the illegal market side, CUOASEC says unauthorized operations cause economic and social harm, fuel unfair competition, and can facilitate tax evasion. It also warns that users face risks when platforms do not provide sufficient guarantees of transparency, security, and protection.
5. Among the proposed enforcement tools are blocking unauthorized gambling platforms, creating an exclusive “.bet.uy” domain for legal operators, and establishing a National User Registry to strengthen control and improve traceability in the regulated market.

The practical read-through for high-risk payment businesses is straightforward: if this framework advances, the market would move toward sharper licensing boundaries, stronger identification of legal operators, and more explicit compliance expectations around AML/CFT, cybersecurity, and user-data handling.