The contribution comes from taxes paid by land-based casinos, slot machine venues, and online gaming operators. According to SONAJA president Fernando Calderón Castro, part of that money is channeled to Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mincetur, for tourism promotion, infrastructure, and sector oversight.
Gaming Tax Revenues Extend Beyond Casino Floors
The tourism allocation is only part of a larger tax picture. As reported by SONAJA, Peru’s gaming sector generated around S/465 million in tax revenue in 2025. That suggests the sector is no longer just an entertainment business but a regular source of public revenue.
That role is significant in relation to tourism. In places like Tacna, casino operations may form part of the overall visitor economy where tourists crossing borders contribute to tourism revenues.
Online Growth Changes the Balance
The figures also show a shift inside the industry. Physical gaming venues are no longer seeing the same growth rates as their digital counterparts. According to Calderón, the land-based segment has seen fewer venues and lower income since the start of the pandemic, as more activity has moved toward online channels.
Tax distribution also differs by segment. In land-based gaming, 60% goes to the respective province or district municipalities. Another 15% goes to Mincetur, 10% to the Peruvian Institute of Sport, and 15% to the Public Treasury.
In the case of online gaming, 40% of tax revenue goes to Mincetur, 20% to the Ministry of Health for mental health programs, 20% to the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD), and another 20% to the Public Treasury.
Operators Push Back on Tax Pressure
The industry’s main warning is that higher tax collection should not be treated as proof that any new levy will work. Calderón criticized the use of the Selective Consumption Tax on gaming activity, arguing that operators already pay a specific gaming tax.
His concern is that higher expenses for legal operators can make illegal gambling more appealing for players. If this happens, Peru might have less tax revenue, and illegal gambling would be difficult to manage.
Expert View
The Peru example indicates why gambling taxes have political appeal. These taxes could fund worthwhile public goals like tourism, sport, and mental health. However, today’s market environment is split between the declining physical base and a growing online channel. Failure to recognize the distinction may see the government secure short-term gains but undermine its ability to control the sector in the future.
