Chile: Online gambling regulation progresses with unanimous Senate backing
The proposed legislation is now moving to a full Senate vote.
Key points:
– The bill received unanimous approval from Chile’s Senate Finance Commission
– The 19% VAT will apply to both domestic and foreign operators without exemptions
– Next steps include a Senate vote and detailed review by economic and finance committees
Chile’s Senate Finance Commission has unanimously approved the general outline of a bill to regulate online betting platforms.
The legislation, now in its second constitutional stage, will next be reviewed by the full Senate before returning to the Economy and Finance committees for a more detailed analysis.
The proposal outlines rules intended to formalise the online betting sector, ensure fair market conditions and strengthen public oversight.
Heidi Berner, undersecretary of Finance, confirmed that all digital betting services would be subject to the country’s standard 19% VAT, with no exemption for operators based abroad.
According to her estimates, the total tax burden under the proposed model would remain below 28%. The draft law also includes measures to prevent underage gambling and enforce platform restrictions.
Berner said the regulation would create the legal foundation for prosecuting unlicensed operators once the licensing system is in place.
Stakeholder input played a significant role in shaping the bill.
Good to know: Betsson, Betano, Coolbet and EstelarBet and other companies were also part of the consultation process
Over the past several months, the commissions have held hearings with national lottery bodies, casino associations, digital platform representatives, horseracing industry stakeholders and child protection advocates.
If passed, the bill would establish Chile’s first formal regulatory framework for online gambling, aligning it with its existing licensed gaming sectors, such as land-based casinos and horseracing.
Legislators said that amendments will be introduced during the next stage of review in the Economy and Finance committees.
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