LATAM 2026: Why Affiliates Should Keep Their Eyes on the Region

Recently, iGF’s Head of Content Curtis Roach sat down with LatAm iGaming expert Ramiro Atucha, a veteran entrepreneur with more than three decades in the industry. Together, they unpacked what’s driving the hype and what comes next for brands, operators, and, of course, affiliates.

The LATAM Opportunity

Ramiro Atucha describes LATAM as “a region where the rules are still being written — and that’s what makes it so exciting.”

From Brazil’s massive betting wave to Mexico’s expanding online casino market and Colombia’s regulatory success story, LATAM is in motion. Forecasts suggest that the online gambling sector across the region could exceed $50 billion by 2026, nearly doubling since 2023.

Regulation is catching up fast — Brazil is finalizing licensing, Peru is tightening compliance, and Chile is building its framework from the ground up. The result? A wave of legitimacy that’s attracting serious investment — and fresh affiliate opportunities.

Mobile, Payments, and Localisation

For affiliates, one of the biggest lessons from LATAM is this: think local.
Player behavior here is dominated by mobile — over 70% of users in Brazil and Mexico gamble via smartphone. That means your landing pages, banners, and content must be mobile-optimized.

Local payment systems like PIX (Brazil) and OXXO (Mexico) aren’t optional — they’re essential for conversions. Affiliates who integrate and highlight these familiar methods instantly gain user trust and improve deposit rates.

And don’t underestimate localisation. Spanish- or Portuguese-first content, localized bonuses, and understanding each country’s unique gaming culture are key to standing out.

What This Means for Affiliates

According to Ramiro, “the next stage in LATAM isn’t just about user acquisition — it’s about retention and experience.”
That’s a clear signal for affiliates: the old “traffic at any cost” model won’t cut it anymore. Operators are increasingly rewarding affiliates who deliver players with higher LTVs, not just first-time depositors.

Focusing on loyalty, mobile UX, and hybrid products (casino + sports + instant games) will be where the long-term money is.

The Road Ahead

LATAM’s iGaming evolution mirrors what happened in Europe years ago — but with new tools, tech, and social influence at play. Affiliates who position themselves now, learn local nuances, and build compliant, scalable funnels can secure a strong early advantage.

As Atucha put it, “this is the time to establish your brand before the market matures — because when it does, the big players will already be in place.”

Final Thoughts

Latin America is no longer just a “potential” market — it’s the next big frontier for iGaming affiliates. The mix of booming demand, regulatory structure, and tech adoption creates the perfect storm of opportunity.

If you’re ready to enter the region, start now — localise, optimise for mobile, stay compliant, and think retention-first.