Chile has long been recognized for its institutional stability and solid regulatory tradition in Latin America. However, when it comes to the world of gambling, especially online betting, the country is in the midst of a critical transition. For years, Chile allowed only land-based casinos and national lotteries. But with the rise of digital platforms and growing market demand, lawmakers have been forced to reexamine the national gambling framework.
In 2025, Chile stands on the verge of passing a new legal regime that will finally bring online betting and casino games under regulatory control. Until then, however, the landscape remains complicated, particularly for players using foreign websites.
This article provides an in-depth look at the current state of gambling regulation in Chile, what may change in the near future, and how both consumers and operators can navigate the evolving legal environment.
Table of Contents
- Chile’s Current Gambling Law: Who Regulates What?
- Chile’s Online Gambling Bill: What’s in the Works?
- Can Chileans Use International Betting Sites?
- What Are the Risks of Using Offshore Sites?
- Legal Platforms vs. Offshore Betting Sites: Key Differences
- What to Expect from Chile’s Gambling Reform
- FAQs: Betting legally in Chile
Chile’s Current Gambling Law: Who Regulates What?
The Role of the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego (SCJ)
Chile’s gambling industry is currently regulated by the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego (SCJ), a public agency established under Law No. 19.995 (2005). This law modernized the casino sector, brought in stricter financial oversight, and consolidated regulatory functions under a centralized body.
The SCJ is responsible for:
- Issuing and managing licenses for land-based casinos
- Monitoring AML compliance and corporate governance
- Working with other institutions like the tax service (SII) and financial intelligence unit (UAF)
However, SCJ’s legal authority does not yet include online gambling. As a result, no digital betting platforms are currently licensed in Chile.
What Is Legal Today?
- Land-based casinos: Fully licensed and regulated
- State-run lotteries: Operated by Polla Chilena and Lotería de Concepción
- Online gambling: Not illegal for players, but completely unregulated
Chile’s Online Gambling Bill: What’s in the Works?
In 2022, the Chilean executive branch submitted a comprehensive draft law to Congress aiming to regulate online betting. As of mid-2025, that proposal is still under review but has progressed through multiple legislative commissions.
The bill would:
- Create a formal licensing system for online sports betting, casino games, poker, and eSports
- Require operators to be locally registered or partnered with a Chilean company
- Impose a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR)
- Introduce strict advertising rules and responsible gambling mandates
- Assign regulatory control to an expanded SCJ under a new mandate
“This legislation gives Chile the tools to control and tax an already active online market. The key is timely implementation,” says Ignacio Castillo, gaming policy advisor based in Santiago.
Can Chileans Use International Betting Sites?
Yes, and many do. Platforms like Betano, Bet365, Stake, and 1xBet openly accept Chilean users. These sites operate under licenses from international jurisdictions like Malta or Curaçao, and some offer local payment solutions in Chilean pesos.
However, these platforms are not recognized by Chilean law and do not hold domestic licenses. This creates a legal grey zone: individuals are not criminalized for using the sites, but the operators themselves are not permitted to advertise or promote services within Chile.
In 2023, the SCJ warned several companies and Chile’s professional football league began phasing out sponsorships from betting brands. In 2024, regulators issued a national ban on betting company sponsorships in football competitions.
“There’s an illusion of legality. These platforms are visible, convenient, and popular, but they are not legally operating in Chile,” explains Carla Reyes, legal researcher at the University of Chile.
What Are the Risks of Using Offshore Sites?
While offshore betting websites are widely accessible, they do carry significant risks for Chilean users:
- No legal protection under Chilean consumer law
- Difficulties in resolving payment disputes or withdrawal delays
- No enforced responsible gambling tools
- Possible data privacy violations
- Risk of site blocks or payment interruptions once the new law takes effect
Chile’s Internal Revenue Service (SII) has also confirmed its intention to apply tax reporting obligations once the iGaming law passes. Players earning sizable winnings from offshore platforms could eventually be required to declare these earnings.
Legal Platforms vs. Offshore Betting Sites: Key Differences
| Feature | Licensed Platforms (Future) | Offshore Platforms (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status in Chile | Regulated by law (pending) | Not authorized, not prosecuted |
| Consumer protection | Enforced by SCJ | None locally |
| Payment security | Local methods and oversight | Third-party PSPs only |
| Taxes and revenue contribution | Yes (GGR tax + licensing fees) | None |
| Advertising permissions | Subject to strict rules | Facing increasing restrictions |
| Responsible gambling tools | Mandatory | Voluntary or absent |
What to Expect from Chile’s Gambling Reform
Chile’s proposed iGaming law is modeled on best practices from Europe and other parts of Latin America. Once passed, it will introduce:
- A full licensing regime for both B2C and B2B operators
- Digital monitoring tools and auditing systems
- Advertising guidelines to prevent targeting of vulnerable populations
- Strict anti-money laundering procedures
- A social responsibility fund supported by a 1% operator levy
“Chile is not rushing this process. The current proposal reflects a serious attempt to balance player protection with market competition,” says Felipe Andrade, iGaming consultant based in Montevideo.
Until the legal framework is finalized, players should be cautious when using international betting platforms. While these services are accessible and often well-designed, they are operating outside of Chile’s legal protections. This could change quickly once enforcement mechanisms are introduced.
To protect your funds and data, consider the following:
✅ Stick to platforms with a strong international reputation
✅ Avoid high-risk sites with no customer service or unclear terms
✅ Be careful with large deposits or cryptocurrency-based services
✅ Monitor government announcements from the SCJ and Ministry of Finance
✅ Prepare to migrate to local platforms once licensing opens
Chile is moving toward a regulated, transparent online betting market. While the current environment remains legally undefined, there is clear momentum for reform. For players, this means a temporary reliance on international platforms, but a much safer and more accountable ecosystem in the near future.
Informed choices today will ensure a smoother transition once Chile’s long-awaited iGaming framework becomes a reality.
FAQs: Betting legally in Chile
Currently, the law does not specifically criminalize online betting by individuals. However, no operator is licensed under Chilean jurisdiction, so all platforms are considered unregulated.
Yes. A bill submitted to Congress would create a complete regulatory framework for online betting and is expected to pass sometime in late 2025.
Not at this time. The focus is on regulating operators, not prosecuting users. That said, these platforms do not offer legal protections.
If the bill is approved in 2025, the licensing process could open in early 2026. Until then, all online platforms remain unregulated in Chile.
Once the law passes, licensed platforms will be required to report winnings and may withhold applicable taxes. Until then, offshore winnings exist in a tax grey area.
The SCJ will maintain an official registry of licensed operators, similar to what Colombia and Spain offer. Players will be able to verify legitimacy directly.
