In general terms, the Chilean Senate has approved legislation that will regulate internet betting websites. Twenty-seven members voted in favor of the decision. Three voted against, and five abstained. This marks a significant step toward creating an official legal framework for the sector. The deadline for submitting specific amendments is September 29. The bill will then move to detailed discussion in the Economy and Finance Committees.
The Ministry of Finance of Chile says the bill aims to protect gamblers’ health and safety. It focuses especially on minors. It also seeks to ensure transparency in the origin and destination of funds generated by such platforms. The bill also aims to encourage a competitive market. This would operate alongside existing legal gambling games like lotteries, horse racing, and number games.
The bill has several objectives. It seeks to protect public trust by ensuring game randomness. Aside from this, it aims to increase fiscal revenue. It also works to establish fair competition in the gambling sector. Authorities estimate it could generate around CLP 84 billion in annual tax revenue once in force.
Finance Minister Mario Marcel said online gambling has been expanding rapidly and unchecked. It has not been paying taxes or complying with existing laws. He stressed the need for a regulatory framework to prevent excessive gambling. He also called for aligning the law with broader efforts to combat organized crime. Marcel also noted the bill’s link to another measure — Chile’s Economic Intelligence project — which updates the definition of illegal gambling. The government prefers passing the online betting law first for consistency.
Online betting websites would need to register as Chilean businesses and operate under the SCJ (Superintendence of Casinos and Gaming). The legislation would rename it the Superintendence of Casinos, Betting, and Gambling.
