PERU: THE "SAFE HARBOR" OF LATIN AMERICA
Peru has quietly become one of the best places in Latin America to bet on sports. While Brazil deals with complex PIX requirements and Argentina navigates provincial chaos, Peru has built a clean, transparent regulatory system that just works.
The country fully regulated online gambling under MINCETUR (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism) in early 2024. Over 120 licenses have been granted, major international operators are present, and the infrastructure is expat-friendly.
If you're an American living in Lima, Cusco, or anywhere in Peru, you have access to quality sportsbooks with straightforward verification—no CPF complications like Brazil, no provincial fragmentation like Argentina.
🎯 Why Peru Works for Expats
Simple verification: Passport accepted at major sportsbooks
No winning tax: Peru doesn't currently tax player winnings
Good operators: Betsson/Inkabet, bet365, Stake all available
Easy payments: Credit cards work, plus local options like Yape
HOW PERU REGULATES SPORTS BETTING
Peru's gambling law (Law 31.557) created a proper regulatory framework overseen by MINCETUR. Here's what you need to know:
Licensing
Operators must obtain a license from MINCETUR, which costs approximately 3 million Soles (~$800,000 USD). This high barrier means only serious, well-funded operators participate—no fly-by-night operations. As of 2025, roughly 60 technology platforms and 280 service providers have been authorized.
Operator Tax
Licensed operators pay 12% on Net Income (Net Win). This is favorable compared to GGR or turnover taxes in other countries, which encourages operators to invest in the Peruvian market.
Player Consumption Tax (ISC)
Here's the catch: Peru applies a 1% tax on every bet placed. This is called the Selective Consumption Tax (ISC). It was 0.3% through June 2025, then increased to the full 1%.
For casual bettors, this barely matters. For high-volume players or arbitrage bettors, it adds up and may push them toward offshore options.
No Tax on Winnings
Unlike Brazil (15% on winnings) or Colombia (20% on large wins), Peru currently doesn't tax player winnings. Your profits are yours to keep.
đź’ˇ Enforcement
MINCETUR actively enforces against unlicensed operators. They've reportedly reduced unauthorized platforms by 40% and can block websites and disrupt payment services. Stick to licensed books.
BEST SPORTSBOOKS FOR FOREIGNERS IN PERU
| Sportsbook | English | Passport OK | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betsson / Inkabet | âś“ Full | âś“ Yes | Best overall, local + international |
| bet365 | âś“ Full | âś“ Yes | Best interface, live streaming |
| Stake | âś“ Full | âś“ Yes | Crypto users |
| Apuesta Total | ⚠️ Spanish | ✓ Yes | Local expert, Liga 1 depth |
| Te Apuesto | âś— Spanish | âś“ Yes | Peruvian football specialists |
Betsson / Inkabet: Best Overall
Betsson acquired the popular local brand Inkabet, creating a powerhouse in the Peruvian market. They combine international operator quality with deep local knowledge. Full English interface, passport verification accepted, and strong coverage of both Peruvian Liga 1 and international sports.
Betsson's key advantage: no negative carryover on affiliate accounts (relevant if you refer friends). For personal betting, they offer competitive odds and reliable payouts.
🏆 BETSSON / INKABET PERU
Market leader in Peru. Full English interface. Excellent Liga 1 coverage. Passport verification accepted.
Join Betsson Peru →18+ | MINCETUR Licensed | Gamble Responsibly
bet365: Best Interface
bet365 operates in Peru with their trademark polished interface. If you've used bet365 anywhere else in the world, the experience is identical. Full English, industry-leading live streaming (100,000+ events per year), and comprehensive markets.
Their Peru offering includes local Liga 1 matches alongside complete coverage of NFL, NBA, MLB, and European football.
âš˝ BET365 PERU
World's most popular sportsbook. Live streaming. Best in-play betting. Full English interface.
Join bet365 Peru →18+ | MINCETUR Licensed | Gamble Responsibly
Stake: Crypto Option
Stake operates in Peru for crypto users. If you prefer betting with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT, Stake offers instant deposits, fast withdrawals, and no currency conversion fees. They accept 20+ cryptocurrencies and passport verification.
🎰 STAKE PERU
Crypto sportsbook. 20+ coins accepted. Instant withdrawals. Full English interface.
Join Stake →18+ | Crypto Only | Gamble Responsibly
Local Options: Apuesta Total & Te Apuesto
If you speak Spanish (or are willing to use Google Translate), the local operators Apuesta Total and Te Apuesto offer the deepest Liga 1 Peruvian coverage. They're legitimate, MINCETUR-licensed, and popular with locals. However, interfaces are Spanish-only.
PAYMENT METHODS FOR FOREIGNERS
Peru's payment infrastructure is more accessible than Brazil's PIX-only system:
| Method | Works for Foreigners | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard | âś“ Yes | Instant | US cards often work |
| Yape / Plin | ⚠️ Need local phone | Instant | Peru's mobile payment apps |
| PagoEfectivo | âś“ Yes | 1-24 hours | Cash at convenience stores |
| Bank Transfer | ⚠️ Need local bank | 1-2 days | BCP, Interbank, BBVA |
| Cryptocurrency | âś“ Yes | 5-30 min | Stake only |
Using US Credit Cards
Good news: US Visa and Mastercard often work at Peruvian sportsbooks, especially bet365 and Betsson. Success rates are higher than in Mexico or Colombia. Your bank may flag the transaction as international gambling—if declined, call your bank to authorize or use an alternative method.
Yape and Plin
Yape (by BCP bank) and Plin are Peru's dominant mobile payment apps—similar to Venmo but more widely used. They require a Peruvian phone number and bank account. If you're staying long-term and can open a local bank account, these are the most convenient options.
PagoEfectivo: Cash Deposits
PagoEfectivo lets you deposit cash at convenience stores, pharmacies, and banks throughout Peru. Generate a payment code in your sportsbook app, take it to a participating location, pay cash, and funds appear in your account within hours. No local bank account needed.
đź’ˇ Best Approach for Short-Term Visitors
Option 1: US credit card at bet365 or Betsson (try this first)
Option 2: PagoEfectivo cash deposits (works everywhere)
Option 3: Stake with cryptocurrency (bypass local banking entirely)
WHAT TO BET ON IN PERU
Peruvian Football (Liga 1)
- Liga 1: Top division with Universitario, Alianza Lima, Sporting Cristal as the big three
- Clásico: Universitario vs. Alianza Lima is Peru's biggest rivalry—enhanced markets everywhere
- Copa Peru: Domestic cup competition
- Copa Libertadores/Sudamericana: Peruvian clubs in continental competition
US Sports
- NFL: Available at bet365 and Betsson with full markets
- NBA: Good coverage, especially games featuring Latin American players
- MLB: Available but less popular—limited prop markets
International Football
- La Liga, Premier League, Serie A: Deep markets at all major books
- Champions League: Extensive coverage including props
- Peru National Team: World Cup qualifiers generate huge interest
⚽ The Clásico: Universitario vs. Alianza Lima
Peru's biggest football rivalry. Matches in Lima are electric—Estadio Monumental (Universitario, 80,000 capacity) and Estadio Alejandro Villanueva (Alianza Lima) create intense atmospheres. All sportsbooks offer enhanced odds, special promotions, and deep prop markets for these fixtures.
HOW TO SIGN UP AS A FOREIGNER
- Choose your sportsbook (Betsson or bet365 recommended for English speakers)
- Register with email and create password
- Enter personal details including Peruvian address (hotel/rental works)
- Upload passport for verification
- Wait for approval (usually 24-48 hours)
- Deposit via credit card, PagoEfectivo, or crypto
- Claim welcome bonus if applicable
⚠️ ID Verification
Peruvian sportsbooks accept foreign passports, but some may also request proof of address. A hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or utility bill (if you have one) can satisfy this requirement. bet365 and Betsson are generally smooth for foreigners.
WITHDRAWING YOUR WINNINGS
Withdrawal options in Peru:
- Credit/Debit Card: Returns to the card used for deposit (1-5 business days)
- Bank Transfer: To Peruvian bank account (1-3 business days)
- Cryptocurrency: Stake only—instant or near-instant
Getting Money Back to the US
If you withdraw to a Peruvian bank account and need to transfer home:
- Wise: Competitive rates for Sol to USD transfers
- International wire: Available but expensive
- Crypto conversion: If using Stake, withdraw to US exchange and convert
For short-term visitors, the easiest approach is to withdraw back to your US credit card (if that's how you deposited) or use crypto through Stake.
BETTING TIPS FOR PERU
1. Liga 1 Home Advantage is Real
Peruvian football stadiums can be intimidating, especially at altitude. Lima is near sea level, but teams like Cienciano (Cusco, 3,400m) and Sport Huancayo (Huancayo, 3,270m) have massive home advantages against coastal teams.
2. Watch for Altitude Fixtures
When Lima-based teams travel to highland cities, fatigue and altitude sickness affect performance. This creates betting value on home teams in high-altitude venues.
3. Peruvian Teams in Libertadores
Peruvian clubs historically struggle in Copa Libertadores group stages against Brazilian and Argentine opposition. Be cautious backing Peruvian teams away from home in continental competition.
4. Time Zone Considerations
Peru is on Eastern Time (same as New York) year-round. NFL games, NBA games, and MLB games are perfectly timed—no early morning wake-ups required.
5. Use Betsson for Liga 1 Depth
If you want to bet on Peruvian football beyond the basics, Betsson/Inkabet has the deepest Liga 1 markets, including second division and Copa Peru.
American or British Expat?
We have step-by-step guides specifically for expats dealing with US/UK banking blocks, passport verification, and finding sportsbooks that actually work for foreigners.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a Peruvian ID to bet?
No. Major sportsbooks accept foreign passports. You may need to provide a local address.
Are my winnings taxed in Peru?
No, Peru doesn't currently tax player winnings. However, as a US citizen, you're technically required to report worldwide income to the IRS.
Can I use DraftKings or FanDuel in Peru?
No. They don't operate in Peru and are geoblocked.
Is bet365 legal in Peru?
Yes. bet365 holds a MINCETUR license and operates legally.
What's the minimum bet?
Typically S/1-5 (about $0.25-1.25 USD) depending on the sportsbook.
Can I bet from Cusco, Arequipa, or other cities?
Yes. Sports betting is legal nationwide in Peru. Location doesn't matter.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Peru is an underrated gem for expat sports betting. The regulatory framework is clean, major international operators are present with full English support, and payment options work for foreigners.
Key advantages:
- No tax on winnings
- Passport verification accepted
- US credit cards often work
- Same time zone as US East Coast
- Quality operators (Betsson, bet365, Stake)
The 1% consumption tax on bets is a minor annoyance for casual players and doesn't significantly impact the experience. If you're living in Peru, sports betting is straightforward. Enjoy the Clásico. 🇵🇪⚽
🇵🇪 START BETTING IN PERU
Two excellent options for English-speaking expats in Peru.
Get Started →18+ | MINCETUR Licensed | Gamble Responsibly