The online gaming industry in Chile is at a crucial moment, where regulation becomes essential to ensure a safe and responsible environment for players.
The SCJ and its role in consumer protection in online gaming the enactment of Law 19,995 in 2005 marked a before and after for the casino industry in Chile, which has grown significantly since then. This regulatory framework has facilitated the legal and safe operation of casinos, which has attracted both tourists and local players, making them an important economic driver in various areas of the country.
The implementation of advanced technologies has completely changed the way gambling is done, offering a wide variety of alternatives, including everything from slot machines to online games, available in established casinos and new online casino options. Beyond their appeal, operators have had a positive effect on the economy, creating jobs and increasing tax revenue, while boosting tourism and encouraging the growth of sectors such as hotels and restaurants.
SCJ Warns The Superintendency of Gambling Casinos (SCJ) has issued an alert on the growing phenomenon of online gambling, highlighting the increase in promotions carried out by influencers and on social networks. This situation has raised concerns among authorities, who are concerned that these marketing tactics attract players, particularly young people, without offering the necessary information on the risks associated with gambling.
The SCJ has urged online gaming operators to adhere to current regulations and to adopt responsible marketing practices, such as incorporating self-exclusion mechanisms and spending limits. Likewise, the importance of social media platforms regulating promotional content linked to gambling to safeguard consumers has been stressed.
To address these challenges, the SCJ has suggested various measures, including public education campaigns on responsible gambling and collaborations with influencers to spread messages that encourage moderation and safety in gambling. The regulator has reaffirmed its position regarding online gambling platforms, indicating that many of them operate illegally, which makes it difficult to accurately analyze the economic impact on legal casinos and creates unfair competition by not contributing taxes, potentially affecting labor income in the sector.
In statements to La Tercera, the SCJ has asked Congress to advance legislation on online gambling, which has remained stalled for several months. In addition, the SCJ has filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor's Office against platforms that operate online gambling illegally, stressing that they operate without due transparency and without offering protection to users.
