Bill to ban gambling advertising in Peru sent to Congress
The Peruvian Congress has received Bill No. 13265, presented by Congresswoman Susel Paredes. If approved the bill would put in place a total advertising ban on gambling.
As stated in Article 1 of the law: “The purpose of this law is to prohibit the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of gambling in all its modalities, in order to protect public health, prevent addictive behaviours, and reduce their negative impact on the population. To this end, measures are established that prohibit the advertising of these products and services in media outlets, public spaces, and digital platforms.”
Article 2 would impose a complete prohibition of gambling advertising: “The direct or indirect dissemination of advertising, promotion, or any form of communication related to casino games, slot machines, remote sports betting, and any other modality of gambling, including online or in-person games, is prohibited throughout the national territory in any media outlet, digital platform, or public space,” the bill reads.
This measure aims to reduce massive exposure to content, particularly for youth and adolescents, who represent the highest-risk group according to the bill. The proposal seeks to halt the normalization of gambling, pointing out that youth and adolescents are most exposed to these messages and present higher risks of addiction.
The project draws a parallel with Law No. 32159, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework aimed at protecting public health from the risks associated with tobacco use and its derivatives.
If passed, the law would also prohibit promotions offering free chips or other incentives to bet, as well as commercial partnerships with betting brands at public or private events. No type of advertising would be allowed, even if the company operates legally.
The project will be evaluated by the appropriate commissions before going to the Plenary, where it must gather a simple majority to be approved.
