LATAM Wants Stability — And Affiliates Should Pay Attention

Hey, I’ve got some fresh insights from Latin America, and they’re worth a look if you’re working in iGaming or affiliate marketing. Stake’s head of compliance for LATAM, Laura María Gómez Betancur, recently pointed out something important: markets like Brazil and Peru don’t just need new rules — they need regulatory stability. Too many changes in a short time can scare off both operators and players.

What’s happening in LATAM

  • Peru has introduced a new consumption tax on bets.
  • Brazil is moving from 12% to 18% tax on GGR, plus bringing in new restrictions on advertising.
  • Operators are worried that if rules keep shifting, more players and companies will drift to the unlicensed market — where there are fewer taxes, fewer checks, but way more risks.

Why “stability” matters so much

According to Gómez:

  • New markets need time to breathe. Operators must understand how the system works before regulators pile on more rules.
  • Regulators should actually listen to operators — figure out what works, what doesn’t, where KYC and advertising compliance get tricky. Otherwise, they risk creating gaps or pushing players away.
  • Education is critical: explaining to players why KYC, data protection, and responsible gaming rules exist helps reduce resistance and build trust.

What this means for affiliates

Here’s where it gets relevant for us:

  1. GEO risks are rising — sudden tax hikes or ad restrictions can make offers less profitable or less stable.
  2. Partner programs will demand more flexibility — expect tighter KYC, more compliance steps, and sometimes reduced payouts.
  3. The grey market eats traffic — if players flock to unlicensed sites, legal traffic (and your conversions) could drop.
  4. Winners will be agile affiliates — those who can adapt quickly, switch GEOs, or work with stable programs that can navigate regulatory waves.

LATAM is a hot and fast-growing region. But if you’re active there (or thinking about it), don’t just chase short-term gains — be ready for shifting rules, have backup plans, and choose flexible affiliate programs that can adapt alongside you.