The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uruguay has issued Resolution No. 015/2026, which poses challenges to online gambling and sports betting operators. The document was signed through the National Directorate of Lotteries and Quinielas (DNLQ) by Marcelo Visconti.
The main objective is to limit access to gambling by minors and self-excluded users. Notable developments under the aforementioned resolution to affect operators include:
- Compulsory verification for all new users and re-checks for existing players within 180 days.
- Biometric matching and “proof of life” during the verification process, with validation via official civil ID services.
- The WLA Responsible Gaming Framework Level 4 certification is to be obtained by operators.
- More visibility for responsible gaming resources and tools at sites and inside apps.
- A stronger ban on promotions reaching minors.
- Inclusion of responsible gaming messaging in communications.
Advanced KYC Checks for All Users
Perhaps the most significant change, as outlined by this resolution, is mandatory KYC for all new sign-ups on approved platforms and re-verification for their existing users. Operators will have a transition window of 180 days to ensure that all legacy profiles comply with the new rules.
The resolution also spells out how ID checks must work. As stated in the document, authentication must include biometric matching and a “proof of life” procedure. Identity verification can be done either physically or remotely. All the user data must also be validated with the official services of the Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil.
To implement these procedures, operators are only allowed to use state-accredited verification vendors.
Mandatory RG Certification
Quiniela operators must also attain Level 4 Certification. Under the World Lottery Association framework, it’s one of the most challenging standards. Providers that have reached this tier are supposed to have fully embedded RG programs and improve them continuously.
Such requirements seem to move the country’s iGaming industry closer to the strictest global standards for player protection.
Safer-Gambling UX
The newly adopted resolution also states that the operators working in Uruguay must make the resources for safer play visible and easy to access. The sites and apps should educate users on problem gaming and risk signs, prevent underage play, and provide self-exclusion. Platforms should also link to helplines and professional support organizations.
Advertising Restrictions
On marketing, the DNLQ reinforces the total prohibition of promotional materials that reach minors. It also forces operators to mention the underage ban and safer gaming practices in all commercial communications. Regardless of the digital platform being used, this requirement must be respected.
Bottom Line for Operators
With the recent Resolution No. 015/2026, gambling service providers might need to rethink their workflows. Onboarding should now depend on accredited verification providers, product development must consider safer-play UX, and compliance teams may want to tighten their audit trails.
Another aspect to be considered is marketing. Operators and affiliates may now need more pre-publication checks for targeting and messaging.
For brands to protect themselves from regulatory fallout, it’s advisable to standardize compliance across channels.
