Chilean Senate advances online betting regulation bill

Key Points
- Senate approved the bill in general by 27 votes to 3
- Proposal includes measures to block unlicensed operators and impose a 20% specific tax
- Licensed platforms would contribute to sports funding through an annual tax
After being approved unanimously by the national Finance Commission, the bill regulating online betting platforms was approved by the Chilean Senate.
Passed by 27 votes to 3, with five abstentions, the proposal seeks to protect players, particularly minors, increase transparency in the flow of betting revenues and improve tax collection; besides strengthening market competitiveness compared to other legal activities in the country such as lottery and horseracing.
Finance Minister Mario Marcel said the bill addresses a fast-expanding activity operating outside the law, without paying taxes or following regulations.
Key provisions include a National Responsible Betting Policy, strict advertising rules and a ban on betting by individuals with direct influence over match outcomes.
The bill also creates enforcement mechanisms against illegal gambling, including blocking payment transactions and access to unauthorized sites and apps.
Licensed operators would pay a 20% specific tax with an additional 1% earmarked for responsible gaming initiatives.
Good to know: Authorities in Chile have received training on casino law enforcement against illegal gambling
Besides, an annual 2% levy on gross sports betting revenue would be directed to the National Sports Institute, while restrictions would apply to platforms seeking licenses after previously operating illegally.
The bill will now be examined in detail by the Senate’s joint Economic and Finance Committees, with a deadline for amendments set for the end of September.
Subsecretary Heidi Berner added that the measure targets risks such as money laundering by requiring platforms to register as companies in Chile, under the supervision of the country’s Superintendence of Casinos, Betting and Gaming.
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