The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has established a new partnership with Agrupación de Plataformas de Apuesta en Línea (APAL) to support Chile’s online gambling market...
Chile pushes forward new bill to regulate online betting
Chile’s Senate has taken the first step toward regulating online betting, giving initial approval to a new bill that sets up a licensing system along with tougher enforcement and tax rules.
The Senate’s Economic and Finance Committees will now review the proposal before the end of September after it passed with 27 votes in favor, 3 against, and 5 abstentions.
The aim of the bill is to bring online gambling in line with the regulated activities like lotteries and horse racing. The bill introduces a National Responsible Betting Policy, places limits on advertising, and bans betting by anyone who could influence the outcome of events.
Noting that Chile does not yet have the legal means to effectively combat illegal online gambling, Subsecretary Heidi Berner emphasized the bill’s significance in battling money laundering and improving market regulation.
The Superintendence of Casinos, Betting, and Gaming would be in charge of overseeing licensed operators and requiring them to register as Chilean businesses. Authorities would have the power to impose criminal penalties on individuals who promote or operate unlicensed platforms, block access to unlicensed websites and applications, and restrict payment providers from collaborating with them.
The action targets a market that has been operating outside the law, dodging taxes and regulation, according to Finance Minister Mario Marcel. As per official statistics, over five million Chileans used online betting sites in 2024, bringing in over $3.1 billion in untaxed income.
The bill lays out clear tax measures: a 20% levy on licensed operators in addition to VAT, plus a 1% contribution dedicated to responsible gambling programs. On top of that, 2% of gross sports betting revenue would go to the National Sports Institute to help fund sports development.
Additionally, platforms that have been operating without permission will be subject to transitional regulations. A 12-month waiting period along with a one-time tax based on their past revenue and number of users would be required of anyone who applies for a license.
The Chilean Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved the bill to regulate the online gambling and betting sector. The initiative is put to a vote in the Upper House.
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