The Chilean Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed a draft bill regulating online gambling platforms, marking an important step in the country's online gambling regulation. The bill is currently in its second constitutional phase and will next be submitted to the full Senate for consideration, followed by a return to the Economic and Finance Committee for a more detailed review.
The proposal aims to establish a fair market environment, strengthen public oversight, and introduce a strict licensing system, explicitly prohibiting unlicensed operations. Deputy Minister of Finance Heidi Berna confirmed that all online gambling services, whether domestic or foreign operators, must pay the standard 19% VAT with no exemptions, and the overall tax burden is expected to remain below 28%. The bill also includes provisions to prevent minors from gambling and to enhance platform restrictions.
During the bill's drafting process, various stakeholders actively participated, including well-known gambling companies such as Betsson, Betano, Coolbet, and EstelarBet, as well as national lottery agencies, casino associations, horse racing industry representatives, and child protection organizations.
If the bill is ultimately passed, Chile will establish a comprehensive online gambling regulatory system for the first time, aligning online operations with the existing licensed regulation of physical casinos and horse racing industries. Legislators indicated that the Economic and Finance Committee stage would further discuss and refine the amendments.
