The Key Role of Regulation in the Online Gaming Boom

Compliance Boom in the iGaming Industry: A Global Perspective

The online gaming industry, once primarily focused on technical aspects and user experience, is now facing increasing regulatory complexity across different regions. This has led to a surge in demand for legal and compliance professionals, with compliance officers earning between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, and regulatory affairs managers reaching up to $135,000. In Malta alone, a European iGaming hub, over 1,000 professionals are dedicated solely to compliance and legal matters.

Spain’s Strict Regulatory Landscape

In Spain, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) oversees authorized operators, who must adhere to extensive obligations such as user identity and age verification, fraud prevention, and anti-money laundering controls. The DGOJ requires regular reports, external audits, and player protection protocols, creating a high demand for specialized lawyers, auditors, and risk analysts familiar with Real Decreto 958/2020 and Law 13/2011 regulating gambling.

Latin America: Towards Stronger Frameworks

Latin America is experiencing rapid growth in iGaming employment, with a projected 300% increase between 2025 and 2030, resulting in over 135,000 new jobs. However, the region faces regulatory heterogeneity. While countries like Colombia and Mexico have established robust frameworks and federal licensing structures, emerging markets such as Brazil, Chile, and Peru are in the early stages of regulation.

The enactment of Law 13.756/2023 in Brazil has compelled operators to adapt their compliance systems, incorporate real-time monitoring technologies, and strengthen internal audit processes. The Latin American market is projected to reach US$40 billion by 2028, driven by the dominance of online casinos in the regional market.

Key Regulatory Challenges and Trends

Harmonization of Regulations

The coexistence of provincial, state, and federal regulations in countries like Mexico and Brazil creates uncertainty and increases compliance costs. The challenge lies in moving towards common standards in player protection, anti-money laundering, and corporate social responsibility.

Technological Supervision

Regulators are increasingly demanding regtech tools based on AI and machine learning to detect suspicious gambling patterns or fraud, opening a niche for specialized developers.

Data Protection

With the implementation of the LGPD in Brazil and the GDPR in Europe, operators must strengthen their privacy policies and informed consent practices, increasing the demand for data protection officers and privacy consultants.

Responsible Gaming

The implementation of player protection programs and spending limits requires specialists to design self-control policies, risk alerts, and referral protocols to support services.

Compliance as a Competitive Advantage

Beyond avoiding penalties, a solid compliance strategy has become a key differentiator for operators. A strong reputation with authorities and users facilitates obtaining licenses in new markets and increases investor confidence. Currently, approximately 45% of iGaming vacancies are for technical and compliance roles, and professional certifications (Compliance Officer Certification, ACAMS, ISO 27001) are valued more highly than general experience in other industries.

Future Projections and Talent Development

By 2030, Latin America is estimated to require over 40,000 professionals in compliance, cybersecurity, and online gaming auditing. Universities and training centers in the region are already incorporating courses in “Gaming Regulation,” “Financial Crimes and AML,” and “Digital Compliance” into their postgraduate programs, anticipating market demand.