The Chilean Senate Finance Committee has unanimously approved the general framework of Bill No. 14838-0, a landmark proposal to establish Chile’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for online betting. The bill, which cleared the Chamber of Deputies in December 2023, now moves to a full Senate vote before undergoing detailed review in the Economy and Finance Committees.
If enacted, the legislation will place online betting under the same oversight model as Chile’s land-based casinos and horseracing sector. Finance Undersecretary Heidi Berner confirmed that all local and international operators will be subject to Chile’s standard 19% Value Added Tax (VAT), with no exemptions for foreign-based platforms. Including other levies, the overall tax burden is projected to remain below 28%, aligning with international benchmarks.
Chile pushes forward landmark bill to regulate online gambling platforms
The bill earmarks 2% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) for sports development initiatives and 1% for responsible gambling programs. It also mandates stronger consumer protection measures, including biometric identity verification, payment restrictions to prevent underage gambling, and tools to block unlicensed platforms once the regulatory system is active.
The proposal has been shaped by consultations with key stakeholders such as lottery operators, casino companies, horseracing entities, and child welfare advocates. Lawmakers expect further amendments in the final parliamentary stage as they seek to balance market competitiveness, consumer safety, and state revenue goals. The regulation is widely seen as a turning point for Chile’s digital gaming industry, opening the door to a fully licensed and controlled market.
