Uruguay Gambling Survey: Land-Based Casinos Still Reign Supreme

In Uruguay, the traditional casino experience remains the undisputed leader. While global markets are pushing heavily toward digitalization, a fresh study by the National Directorate of Lotteries and Quinielas (DNLQ) shows that physical presence is still the gold standard for the inhabitants of this South American nation. Conducted between August 21 and 24, 2026, the survey included 500 people aged 18 and older to paint a detailed picture of national betting habits. The results are clear: 82% of respondents have participated in games of chance or wagering at least once.

The DNLQ's methodology is particularly noteworthy. Data were primarily gathered via WhatsApp and verified through telephone interviews to ensure consistency. The study found a slight male predominance, with 86% participation compared to 78% for women. Despite high participation rates, most Uruguayans seem to have their spending under control, which serves as an important signal for international observers and regulators.

Numbers and facts

The survey reveals a deep generational divide. While 82% of respondents aged 60 and over prefer land-based gambling, the younger generation (18 to 29) is more open to hybrid models. In this group, 31% reported using both online platforms and physical betting shops. Overall, however, the online sector remains small at just 12%. This may be due to strict regulations, as currently, only two state-authorized online websites, Supermatch and La Banca, operate in Uruguay.

The country's most popular product is the 5 de Oro lottery, mentioned by 62% of respondents. It is followed by Tómbola at 27% and Raspadita at 23%. Among the 18-29 age group, 26% reported playing casino games. Frequency also varies significantly: 68% of younger participants bet once every six months or less, while the 45-59 age group reported higher levels of daily and weekly participation.

Background

A central focus of the DNLQ study is player protection and responsibility. 83% of respondents stated they have never gambled more money than they could afford to lose. However, there are warning signs: 8% of younger players admitted to betting beyond their financial means most of the time. Among those over 60, 11% reported doing so occasionally. Another point of concern is habituation; about 5% of participants felt the need to increase stakes to achieve the same thrill as before.

"The survey DNLQ offers a snapshot of the gambling participation of the adult population of Uruguay, and identifies differences among people based on age, gender, socioeconomic status, gambling format, and frequency." - Official Representative, National Directorate of Lotteries and Quinielas (DNLQ)

The study also emphasizes high trust in the state licensing system. 90% of respondents are aware that the games they play are legal. In higher socioeconomic groups, this figure reaches 96%. Furthermore, 96% of participants declared they have never skipped daily necessities to gamble.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, these findings from Uruguay are relevant as they demonstrate how crucial clear state regulation is for user trust. In Germany, the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) governs the market. Similar to Uruguay, where only licensed sites like Supermatch should be used, German players should only use providers on the GGL whitelist. This ensures protection through the LUGAS system, which maintains a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros across all platforms.

The issue observed in Uruguay, where younger players sometimes bet beyond their means, is addressed in Germany through a 1 euro stake limit per spin on online slots and strict identity verification. Those playing at illegal MGA or Curacao casinos in Germany enter a legal gray area and lose the protection of domestic authorities. The transparency created by the DNLQ study is a model for the German market to tailor addiction prevention to specific age groups.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos with a German license from the GGL can learn that strong brand loyalty and trust in legality are key factors for long-term success. The high awareness of legal offers in Uruguay (90%) should be the target for the German market. Providers must ensure their interfaces with LUGAS and Oasis function smoothly to position player protection as a quality feature against the black market. The study also shows that hybrid offers are increasingly important for younger audiences, which should encourage German operators to further optimize their mobile applications.