Online gambling operator Betsson today said it has secured a licence to operate the Betsafe and Bettson brands in the newly regulated Peru market.
The licences cover online casino and sports betting for both brands and Betsson expects to also soon obtain approval for its Peru-facing Inkabet business.
Betsson has had a presence in Peru since 2008. In 2019, it expanded its reach in the country by launching its Betsafe brand. Two years later, it also acquired locally-licensed online betting and sports brand Inkabet for $25m.
Regulation of the Peru market earlier this year meant Betsson had to secure full licence approval to continue operating in the country. Law no 31557, which regulates online gaming and sports betting, went into effect on 9 February.
Operators had until 10 March to apply for a licence. Peru’s ministry of foreign trade and tourism received 145 requests for operator licences from both national and international operators.
“We have really looked forward to Peru introducing a local regulation and are very pleased with the issuing of these licences,” Betsson president and CEO Pontus Lindwall said.
“With this announcement, we affirm our commitment to the local economy and new regulatory framework in the country.”
Betsson continues to extend its reach
Aside from Peru, Betsson also operates in other LatAm markets, including Colombia and Argentina. With the latter, it holds licences in Buenos Aires City and Córdoba.
Further afield, Betsson has announced several other market launches in recent weeks and months. In March, Betsson rolled out its flagship brand in the Italian market.
The group has been active in Italy for more than a decade via its StarCasinò. This brand will continue to operate alongside the new Betsson website.
Elsewhere, having been acquired by Betsson last year, Betfirst launched an online casino in Belgium via a partnership with Groupe Partouche-owned Middelkerke Casino.
Last year, Betsson secured a licence to begin offering sports betting in France. It also picked up an online casino licence in Serbia.
However, Betsson in April was among 40 operators blacklisted by the Dominican Republic ahead of the market preparing to re-regulate. Betway, Interwetten, Betfair Colombia, Bet365, Mr Green Casino, 888Sport and William Hill were also flagged.
