The Authority for the Supervision of Gaming caught six virtual bingo operators running illegal games through TikTok live streams. These operators sold digital bingo cards directly to users and broadcast their draws on the platform. None held valid gaming licences from Bolivia’s regulator.
The AJ didn’t name the specific accounts but confirmed all six were selling cards through direct payment methods. Players sent money via bank transfers or QR code payments to individual accounts. No official gaming infrastructure backed these operations.
Why Bolivia’s Regulator Targeted Social Media Gambling
The operators bypassed every safety measure required for legal gambling. They had no technical oversight, no transparency mechanisms, and no secure payment systems. Players had zero protection.
TikTok’s user base includes significant numbers of minors. Running gambling operations on the platform created additional regulatory concerns. The lack of age verification meant underage users could potentially access these games.
The payment structure exposed players to fraud risks. Sending money directly to individuals instead of licensed operators left participants vulnerable. And there was no way to verify if draws were legitimate or manipulated.
What Actions the Gaming Authority Took
The AJ sanctioned all six operators for conducting unauthorised lotteries. Bolivia’s gaming framework requires formal state authorisation for any gambling activity. These TikTok operations had none.
The regulator found the operations deceptive. Players thought they were participating in legitimate games. But without oversight, nothing guaranteed fair play.
The AJ continues monitoring social media platforms for similar illegal operations. The agency warned users that only state-authorised games offer legitimate player protections and data security.
How This Fits Regional Gambling Enforcement
Bolivia’s crackdown mirrors broader Latin American efforts against illegal online betting. Brazil recently launched police operations targeting illegal casino networks operating across Rio de Janeiro. Authorities there are pursuing criminal organisations running unlicensed gambling sites.
Argentina is pushing new restrictions on online gambling advertising aimed at minors. Lawmakers there cited rising underage gambling as justification for tougher rules. Brazil is also considering legislation to fund cybercrime units using betting tax revenue.
The AJ’s actions show regulators across the region are adapting enforcement to social media gambling. Traditional oversight focused on physical locations and websites. Now authorities track operations on platforms like TikTok that weren’t designed for gambling but get used that way.
Social media makes illegal operations easier to launch but also more visible to regulators. The challenge is keeping pace with operators who can quickly shift to new platforms or accounts after getting shut down.
