Uruguay Strengthens Control Over Online Gambling

Uruguay’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, through DNLQ, has adopted Resolution No. 015/2026. The state is tightening requirements for online betting and casino operations: more control, deeper identification procedures, and stricter responsible gaming standards.

Player Verification

🔵 Mandatory full identity verification for all new users

🔵 180 days to re-verify already registered accounts

🔵 Biometric identification and “liveness” checks

🔵 Data cross-checking through government identification services

🔵 Use of state-accredited providers only

🔵 Strict age verification

Responsible Gaming Is Not a Formality

🔴 Mandatory Responsible Gaming Certificate (Level 4)

🔴 Limits and self-exclusion tools must be встроены into the product and easily accessible

🔴 Self-excluded players must be technically blocked

🔴 Platforms must monitor signs of problematic behavior

🔴 Help service contacts and warnings must remain constantly visible

Advertising Under Enhanced Control

🔵 Full ban on communications targeting minors

🔵 Mandatory warnings prohibiting gambling for individuals under 18

🔵 Responsible gaming principles must be included in all advertising messages

🔵 Requirements apply to all digital channels

What This Means for the Market

🔴 KYC becomes full-scale state-backed identification

🔴 Operational workload and compliance costs increase

🔴 A purely formal licensing approach no longer works

🔴 The market becomes more regulated and technologically demanding

Conclusion

Uruguay is building a system where every account is tied to a verified identity. Biometric checks and cross-referencing with state registries significantly reduce the ability to bypass age restrictions or self-exclusion by creating new profiles.

At the same time, the market is being aligned with international Responsible Gaming standards (Level 4), limiting space for illegal operators and regulatory loopholes.