Uruguay has officially established a dedicated industry body, the and Investors, to spearhead economic growth and modernize the nation’s gambling sector.
The formation of this Chamber aligns with the mandate of the Frente Amplio (FA) government and fulfills a key election pledge made by President Yamandú Orsi, who returned to power in March 2025 with a focus on bolstering private sector investment and infrastructure funding.
The Chamber unifies Uruguay’s principal concession-holders, creating a powerful coalition that includes Grupo Codere,Baluma S.A. (Enjoy Punta del Este), Compañía Rioplatense de Hoteles (Radisson Montevideo), and other major regional operators.
To guide its strategic direction, the Chamber has appointed Luis Alberto Gama Hernández, the former General Manager of the Directorate of Lotteries and Quinielas, as its Executive Secretary. His role will involve reviewing investment opportunities across a broad spectrum of verticals, including casinos, sports betting, and online gambling.
The launch comes at a critical “crossroads for Uruguay”. While the hospitality and land-based casino sectors are seeing accelerated investment, the lack of a cohesive online gambling framework has caused regulatory fragmentation, causing the market to lag behind neighbors like Brazil and Argentina.
The Chamber aims to provide a technical and representative voice to collaborate with the government on harmonizing concessions and strengthening oversight.
Currently, Parliament is reviewing an online gambling bill introduced by Senator Felipe Carballo, which proposes a State Online Gaming Platform operated by the National Directorate of Lotteries and Quinielas (NDLQ). However, reports suggest the FA leadership is uncomfortable with this hybrid model, fearing it may not deliver sufficient investment or regulatory stability.
In this fluid political landscape, the new Chamber is expected to play a decisive advisory role,influencing whether Uruguay adopts a state-led system or a more open, investment-driven approach.
Industry Stakeholders (via SBC Noticias):
“The current moment is a crossroads for Uruguay.”
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