Introduction

As the global iGaming sector races into 2026, a handful of emerging jurisdictions are reshaping the competitive landscape. Brazil and Peru in Latin America have formalised their markets under new legislation, creating regulated environments where affiliates and operators can thrive. By contrast, India has imposed a sweeping ban on real‑money gaming, forcing platforms to pivot towards casual titles and esports, while Ghana is embracing innovation through tax reforms and biometric verification. Together, these four regions illustrate how the next wave of growth will be driven by regulation, payment innovation and responsible gaming.

Brazil: From Boom to Balance

Brazil’s long‑awaited regulated market opened in 2025 and quickly became a focus for operators and affiliates. In the first licensing wave, 14 fully licensed operators were authorised and more than 50 provisional licences were granted, signalling a promising start. In October 2025 the federal government increased the gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax from 12 % to 18 %, raising public revenue but squeezing operator margins.

Despite higher taxes, the market remains attractive thanks to Brazil’s passion for football and mobile sports betting. PlayAlberta, the government‑owned online platform, generated CA$275 million in net sales in 2025 but captured only 23–32 % of the province’s gambling market. Private operators entering Brazil can therefore tap into a vast unregulated base. Affiliates should focus on brand recognition, local payment options (Pix, bank slips) and responsible marketing to build trust in this newly regulated environment. However, rising compliance costs and advertising restrictions could slow growth compared with the initial boom. The upcoming SBC Summit Rio 2026 is expected to address how operators can adapt to these realities.

Peru: A Model for Responsible Growth

Peru has emerged as Latin America’s regulatory success story. One year after Law No. 31557 took effect, 60 companies had been authorised to operate remote gaming and online sports betting platforms, 280 service providers were registered and nine international certification laboratories accredited. The regulator reports that formalisation has driven a 40 % reduction in illegal online gambling and that more than 5,785 sports betting venues now operate legally.

Peru’s approach balances consumer protection with economic development. Under the law, only licensed operators may advertise or sponsor teams and only registered suppliers can provide services; violators face licence revocation. Responsible gaming measures—including self‑exclusion tools, player protection mechanisms and strict technical controls—are mandatory. For affiliates, Peru offers a stable environment with clear guidelines, but success depends on localisation (Spanish‑language content and customer support), partnerships with licensed operators and adherence to advertising standards.

India: Ban Sparks Offshore Migration

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) passed in August 2025 banned all forms of real‑money gaming in India, including fantasy sports and poker. The law was enacted amid concerns about financial fraud and money laundering. While regulators framed the ban as a consumer‑protection measure, its effects were immediate and severe. Before the ban, only 3.4 % of Indian players used offshore platforms; the figure jumped to 44 % afterwards. Surveys found that 93.7 % of users rated deposits and withdrawals on offshore sites as “easy or very easy,” encouraging rapid, repeated play. Domestic operators wrote down $840 million in assets and laid off 7,000 workers.

With the real‑money market frozen, local platforms have shifted to casual gaming, esports tournaments and ad‑supported models. Operators are lobbying for moderated regulations rather than an outright ban, but until policy changes, affiliates should avoid promoting real‑money offers to Indian audiences. Instead, they can engage users with free‑to‑play games, esports content and educational material about responsible gambling and financial literacy.

Ghana: Tax Relief and Biometric Trust

Ghana’s iGaming ecosystem gained momentum after the government eliminated a 10 % withholding tax and an electronic transfer levy on gambling transactions in 2025. These reforms boosted betting activity and improved the appeal of mobile sportsbooks. To further promote transparency, the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG) introduced mandatory biometric verification: operators must integrate with the national ID system and require fingerprint or facial recognition before bets and withdrawals. Regulators argue that linking bets to verified identities will deter money laundering, underage gambling and other abuses.

Licensed operators were given 30 days to implement the biometric system and are subject to audits and potential suspension for non‑compliance. Though implementation may initially slow transactions, the measure aims to build trust and encourage responsible gaming. For affiliates, Ghana presents a stable yet regulated environment; success hinges on promoting local payment methods, mobile‑first design and compliance with advertising rules.

Conclusion: Navigating Opportunities and Compliance

The 2026 iGaming landscape is defined by regulatory divergence. Brazil and Peru offer promising, regulated markets—but they demand strict adherence to tax and advertising rules. Peru, in particular, illustrates how effective legislation can reduce illegal gambling and attract investment. India’s sweeping ban demonstrates that heavy‑handed policy can backfire, pushing players to offshore sites and costing thousands of jobs. Ghana’s balanced approach—combining tax relief with advanced player verification—highlights another path that promotes growth while protecting consumers.

For operators and affiliates, the message is clear: success in emerging markets requires localisation, robust compliance and a commitment to player protection. By aligning strategies with each jurisdiction’s legal framework and embracing responsible gaming, industry stakeholders can tap into new audiences and build sustainable businesses in 2026 and beyond.