The Chilean Senate has given general approval to a bill regulating online betting platforms, with 27 votes in favour, three against, and five abstentions. The legislation will now undergo detailed review by the Senate’s joint Economic and Finance Committees before the end of September. It establishes a licensing system, blocks unlicensed operators, enforces responsible gambling measures, and imposes taxes to fund social and sports initiatives.
Under the proposal, licensed operators would face a 20% specific tax, plus levies for responsible gambling and sports development. Key measures include blocking illegal sites, prohibiting insider betting, and imposing criminal sanctions for unauthorised operations. The bill also addresses money laundering risks by requiring operators to register as Chilean companies under regulatory oversight.
With over five million Chileans engaging in untaxed online betting in 2024, generating more than $3.1 billion in revenue, this move signals a major policy shift toward regulation, taxation, and consumer protection.
