In recent years, the online gaming industry in Peru has undergone a remarkable transformation. The sector has become established as a dynamic segment within the country’s economic and entertainment landscape.
However, last year, the country’s Executive Branch established that the online gaming and sports betting sectors would be subject to the Selective Consumption Tax (ISC), a decision that sparked much controversy. While it was originally 1 percent, it was later reduced to 0.3 percent by July 2025.
Pablo Viana , Latam Manager of Grupo RETAbet , gave an exclusive interview to SBC Noticias to talk about the company’s evolution in Peru, his general vision on the impact of the ISC on the industry and previewed some of the topics that will be discussed during the SBC Summit Americas 2025 panel in which he will participate.
SBC News: You started working at RETAbet Group seven years ago. How has your role within the company evolved since then to your current position as Latin American Manager? And what key lessons have you learned leading RETAbet’s operations in Latin America?
Pablo Viana: I started at RETAbet as an intern, full of enthusiasm and hunger. I quickly rose through the ranks, and they trusted me to launch the group’s first international expansion in Peru. Since then, these have been extremely challenging and intense years.
I now lead a team of more than 100 people and see opportunities for growth in the region. The lessons have been many (and continue to be learned every day), and there’s no magic formula other than working hard every day, generating and developing structure, investing efficiently, and being consistent with your value proposition over time.
SBC News: This year marks five years since the company opened its first location in downtown Lima. How has the company’s presence in the country grown since then, and what milestones would you highlight?
PV: We came up with a minimum viable product, aiming to stay ahead of regulations while taking small steps. I’d say we’ve spent four years developing the product and the team to be able to compete in the market. Today, I believe we have a very competitive value proposition and product, and the monthly numbers confirm this.
Likewise, we have enormous growth potential. We’re in a world of hypergrowth, where everything happens very quickly and we compete with companies that gain market share at “any price.” However, we remain committed to growing sustainably and profitably. Over the years, we’ve seen many companies enter and exit the market with great force, so we’re fairly confident in our path.
SBC News: Last year, you renewed your agreement with Roberto “El Chorri” Palacios as ambassador. What does his role represent for the brand, and how has he contributed to strengthening the company’s image in the country?
PV: Chorri Palacios is one of the figures we’re using to strengthen our reputation in Peru. We’ve been cautious with our marketing investments until we know the regulations. This past year, we’ve given it a boost.
SBC News: You’ll be participating in the conference “The Evolving Betting Market in Peru: The Impact of Licensing” during SBC Summit Americas 2025. What’s your overall view on the new regulatory framework and the impact of the Selective Consumption Tax?
PV: I’ll be participating alongside leading experts on the SBC Summit Americas panel. I wasn’t a speaker last year, and I always enjoy sharing my perspective with other speakers. I also enjoy attending talks because you learn a lot. I try to be positive about the outlook for the regulatory framework.
I believe the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism, led by Yuri Guerra, has done a great job and made an effort to push through a regulation that I consider generally sound from a technical and tax perspective. The problem arose with the application of a completely disproportionate tax (ISC), which puts the sector at risk. We have until June to reverse it; otherwise, I see the future of the sector in the country as very complicated.
SBC News: From your perspective, what are the main technical and operational challenges that operators like RETAbet face in adapting to the new regulatory regime?
PV: RETAbet has its own technological platform developed 100 percent in-house , and that has helped us adapt to the new requirements, but it is a very technical regulation. I can say that the adaptation has been a success, but the annual inspections and audits have already begun, so we must continue innovating to stay up to date with market demands while meeting all regulatory requirements.
SBC News: Do you think the implementation of the ISC could encourage players to migrate to unregulated platforms? What measures do you think the regulator should consider to prevent this?
PV: Without a doubt, I believe the current tax rate is detrimental to both operators and players. We’ve already seen several illegal platforms on the market, and if the tax rate remains at 1 percent and is ultimately passed on to players, I dare say illegal gambling will increase alarmingly, generating lower revenue and less protection for players, the two basic objectives of regulating an industry. I trust the law will be changed. With a fair tax rate and the existing regulations regarding advertising, I believe illegal gambling can be controlled in the country.
SBC News: This year you’ll be a judge at the SBC Awards Americas 2025. What does taking on that role mean to you, and what personal criteria do you consider key when evaluating the nominees?
PV: I love being a judge at the SBC Awards because it allows me to see what the leading companies in the sector are doing. Last year at SBC Summit Lisbon, RETAbet was awarded Operator of the Year, and it was a tremendous joy, so I’m especially excited to see other companies and colleagues experience that feeling.
Join RETAbet at SBC Summit Americas
SBC Summit Americas will be held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from May 13-15 .
You can get one of these three types of passes:
Group Pass 3+ (All-Access Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass provides full access to conference sessions, the exhibit floor, networking events, and evening parties. All for a discounted price of $500 per person. Get your Group Pass .
Exhibit Pass+: Includes access to the exhibit floor and all conference sessions (does not include access to evening networking events). Get your Exhibit Pass+ for $95.
Free passes for operators and affiliates: Operators and affiliates may request free passes, subject to approval.
Request your free operator pass.
Request your free affiliate pass.
Source: https://sbcnoticias.com/sbc-summit-americas-pablo-viana-grupo-retabet/
