Peru Considers Fivefold Increase in Online Betting Consumption Tax
Peru.- 13 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Peru’s Congress is considering a bill that would increase the Selective Consumption Tax, ISC, on remote gaming and online sports betting from 1% to 5% of each wager.
The proposal, introduced by lawmakers from the Civic Works Party, combines revenue-raising objectives with measures intended to support the prevention of problem gambling.
Bill Now in Committee
Legislative proposal 00519-2026-2031-CD was submitted on 6 October and is currently under committee consideration.
Luis Aurelio Masco Cáceres is among its principal authors alongside other members of his parliamentary group.
From 1% to 5% Per Wager
The current ISC rate is 1% of the value of each online wager.
The bill would increase that rate fivefold to 5%, while leaving the underlying tax base unchanged.
Online Gambling Only
The increase would apply exclusively to remote gaming and online sports betting.
Land-based gambling operations would not be covered by the proposed tax increase.
Separate From the 12% GGR Tax
ISC would remain separate from the existing 12% tax on GGR paid by remote gaming and sports betting operators.
Approval would therefore increase the overall fiscal burden on licensed businesses without replacing existing gaming taxes.
Revenue Could Reach PEN1.62 Billion
The bill estimates that the current ISC generates approximately PEN324 million per year.
At a 5% rate, annual revenue could rise to around PEN1.62 billion.
The proposal itself notes that this is a static and illustrative estimate, as player and operator behaviour may change in response to higher taxation.
14,409 Gambling Addiction Treatments
The bill also cites Ministry of Health figures.
A total of 14,409 treatments related to gambling addiction were reportedly recorded at Peruvian health facilities during 2025.
Lawmakers use this figure to support the argument that a higher tax burden could form part of a broader harm-prevention strategy.
Not Intended as a Ban
The proposal explicitly states that its objective is not to prohibit online gambling.
Instead, ISC is presented as an additional fiscal instrument within a wider policy combining regulation, enforcement, prevention and treatment.
Operators Could Absorb or Pass On the Cost
The bill recognises several possible responses to the higher tax.
Operators could:
- Absorb the additional cost.
- Pass some or all of it on to players.
- Share the burden between the company and customer.
The eventual impact on odds, promotions and margins would depend on individual operator strategies.
Regional Comparison
The explanatory memorandum also compares Peru with other Latin American jurisdictions applying additional gambling-related taxes.
Argentina and Colombia are among the examples referenced.
The bill argues that a 5% rate would not, by itself, be extraordinary within the regional context.
Entry Into Force
If approved, the law would take effect the day after publication in Peru’s official gazette.
However, the new 5% rate would apply from the first day of the following calendar month.
Next Steps or Impact
The proposal must now move through committee review and the wider legislative process before becoming law.
For operators, the central issue will be whether a fivefold increase in ISC undermines regulated-market competitiveness and channelisation.
For policymakers, the measure offers the prospect of higher public revenue alongside an additional fiscal tool to address the growth of online gambling and gambling-related harm.
Editó: @fonta
