Overview of the Chilean Online Gambling Landscape
Even though online gambling is not specifically regulated in Chile, players can access international casino sites without restrictions, as there are no stipulations in Chile’s laws regarding offshore gambling sites. Moreover, since there are no locally licensed operators, offshore casinos are the only options for gamblers looking to wager online.
Brick-and-mortar casinos are legal in the country, but despite the availability of regulated land-based gambling venues, many players still opt for online gambling sites. With 17.9 million internet users in Chile in 2024, over 90% of the total population, that is hardly surprising, especially as online casinos are more convenient, offer thousands of engaging games, and boast generous bonuses.
Gambling Regulation in Chile: Key Milestones
Chile is a country with a rich gambling history that dates several centuries back. Let’s look at the key facts and milestones that are important for gambling in Chile:
- The Chilean government legalised land-based casinos with the Casino Law 2005 (Law No. 19,995). Through Law No. 19,995, currently 22 casinos operate around the country.
- The Casino Law stipulates a maximum of 24 land-based casino licences with a duration of 15 years, but casinos in the capital, Santiago, are not allowed.
- On January 7, 2005, the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego (SCJ) was formed as an autonomous body that supervises land-based gambling in Chile, issues, denies, and revokes licences, and ensures responsible gambling practices.
- The legal gambling age in Chile is 18.
- Casino operators pay a 20% tax of gross gaming revenue.
- Since land-based gambling was legalised, there have been calls to put online casinos in a legal framework too. Recent developments indicate they may soon be regulated, as an online gambling bill is currently being reviewed by the country’s senate.