Study examines online betting patterns among Chilean youth
Study warns of growing exposure of minors to online gambling, revealing that 14% of young people have bet online.
The Responsible Gaming Corporation and Red Preventiva Chile Copreventive presented a study examining how Chilean youth engage with online gaming and betting.
The report, titled “Screens that Capture: X-ray of Online Gaming in Chilean Youth,” was presented to CNC president José Pakomio and Children’s Ombudsman Anuar Quesille.
The study notes that digital transformation has created new opportunities alongside emerging challenges. Currently, only four operators can legally operate in Chile: Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, Lotería de Concepción, national horse racing, and state-authorized casinos.
These entities pay taxes, fund public policies, and operate under state supervision. However, digital betting platforms have transformed the landscape without accompanying regulation, with hundreds of online betting sites now operating from abroad without local authorization or access barriers for minors.
The research found that 14% of young people have placed online bets in the past year, with 40% being men and 13% women. Among those who bet, 79% are micro-bettors wagering less than CLP 10.000 ($10) while 19% bet between CLP 10.001 and 30.000.
The average age for new bettors is 15.5 years among school students and 21.4 years in higher education.
According to the study, primary motivations for online betting vary. The most named was earning money (53%), followed by boredom (36%), and curiosity (33%). Among platforms used, 72% utilize online casinos, 41% sports betting, 9% eSports betting and 4% online poker.
Regarding attitudes, 54% of students hold neutral views, 34% negative and 12% positive toward betting.
The study also revealed that 85% of youth play video games occasionally or frequently, with 70% playing at least once weekly. Additionally, 85% use games containing chance elements like loot boxes, and 62% have made in-game purchases.
Social media influence appears significant, with 92% having seen betting advertisements on social platforms and 58% following influencers who promote betting.
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