Six Latin American countries launch joint gaming federation to confront illegal operators

• Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic form International Gaming Federation
• Federation aims to combat illegal gambling and align fragmented regulations across borders
• Evert Montero Cárdenas of Colombia’s Fecoljuegos elected first president for a three-year term
• Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Panama already eye membership as group plans global outreach

Six Latin American nations have created a new regional gaming body to take on cross-border challenges in the gambling industry.

The International Gaming Federation was unveiled last week, with Colombia’s Evert Montero Cárdenas chosen as its first president for a three-year mandate. The alliance is designed to address illegal operators, regulatory gaps and the fast pace of technological change.

The founding members—Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic—say the federation will serve as a hub for sharing data, aligning enforcement and creating common standards. Next reports that its launch reflects frustration with fragmented approaches that have allowed unlicensed gambling to flourish.

Montero’s appointment highlights Colombia’s leadership in regulatory reform. According to igamingnext, the country has successfully shifted operators into the legal market and built clear frameworks for online betting.

“This is a historic step that transcends borders,” Montero said. “From Colombia we proudly assume the responsibility of leading a process that will allow us to join international efforts, build a collective voice and ensure that our industry develops responsibly, sustainably and for the benefit of society.”

Expansion is already on the agenda. Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Panama have expressed interest in joining, and the group also intends to invite associations from Europe, North America and Asia.

Brazil’s newly regulated sports betting market—opened under legislation passed in 2023—could give the federation significant weight as the region’s largest gambling economy.

The idea of regional coordination is not entirely new. Colombia’s regulator Coljuegos floated the concept of an Ibero-American Commission of Gaming Regulators earlier this year at the Ibero-American Gaming Summit. That body would have brought together regulators across Spanish and Portuguese-speaking nations. The new federation takes a broader approach by including industry associations as well as regulators.

According to The International Association of Gaming Advisors, Colombia’s regulatory framework is widely seen as a model in Latin America, combining market growth with robust oversight. Supporters hope this experience will help the new federation build credibility with international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force.

The federation’s immediate test will come as Brazil rolls out its sports betting market and Argentina debates online casino expansion. Whether the six founders can maintain unity when national interests diverge will determine if this collective approach delivers more than previous attempts at regional cooperation.