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The debate over online gambling in Chile has taken another turn for the worse, as several online gambling operators have formed a new association to represent the industry called the Responsible iGaming Association (AGR). Its mission is to help the country get a regulatory plan through that would license online gambling.
A regulated market has the potential to generate a huge economic value, according to AGR. According to projections created by consultancy H2 Gambling Capital, the Chilean online gambling market is expected to attain a market value of USD 1.445 billion by 2030, marking the country among the most attractive regulated gaming markets in Latin America.
Licensing Framework Remains Under Senate Review
Although progress has been made in Chile’s legislative process over the last year, the country still does not have a specific law covering online gambling. In August 2025, a bill to establish a licensing system for operators and to introduce measures for combating illegal gambling was approved in general.
The proposal, however, is still being considered in the Senate, where it has to go through a second constitutional process before it can proceed to a full floor vote. AGR believes that a licensing system would not only stimulate growth in the market, but also enhance player protection, boost tax revenues and curb illegal gambling.
AGR Calls for a Clear and Sustainable Regulatory Framework
Responsible iGaming Association (RigA) consists of operators such as Betano, Betsala, Estelarbet, Juegalo and Novibet. The launch coincides with a crucial period for the industry, which is continuing to ask the government to speed up the regulatory process.
Online gambling is already a reality in Chile, “but not a lack of regulation is a lack of regulation”, Sandra Kemp, AGR’s Executive Director, said. She further stated that AGR will collaborate with other industry bodies such as AgruGaming and the Online Betting Platforms Association (APAL) to make an impact in the regulations debate.
Kemp also mentioned what she believes is the most important goal of the sector: “to ensure that the industry operates under a clear regulatory framework (…) that contributes to public revenues through taxes, creates employment opportunities, and promotes the development of sports in Chile.”
Tax Measures Advance Alongside Regulatory Debate
In addition to the legislative debate, Chile has also made a number of moves to bolster tax control of online gambling companies. The Internal Revenue Service (SII) last June issued Resolution No. 69, which stipulated that foreign online betting sites that conduct business in the country must be registered under a special tax registry and adhere to local tax laws, such as paying Digital VAT.
No operators registered, but the tax authority announced that enforcement actions would be taken against non-compliant companies. Since that statement, there were more registrations, and SII has since said 25 online gaming platforms have signed up, including two members of AGR, Betano and Betsala.
But not everybody was happy about the measure. The Chilean association of casinos raised doubts about the initiative, with its president, Cecilia Valdéz, saying: “Betting platforms have been advertising for years on television channels, social media, and news outlets, which has already created the perception that their operations are legal. The SII resolution would further deepen that confusion.”
Source: SBC Noticias
