Chile Senate extends deadline for online betting regulation bill

The Chilean Senate has extended the deadline for submitting amendments to legislation regulating online gambling and sports betting until noon on Monday, 26 October 2026. The extension follows disagreements within the government regarding proposed amendments, specifically involving the Ministry General Secretariat of the Presidency (Segpres) and the ministries of Finance, Economy, Justice, and Health.

The online betting market in Chile is estimated to exceed 650 million dollars annually, currently operating without a legal framework. Under existing laws, gambling is prohibited unless specifically authorized, a status reinforced by a 2023 Supreme Court ruling. The proposed legislation, Bulletin 14.838-03, aims to establish a regulatory framework and a new Superintendency to oversee the sector.

Senate President Paulina Núñez has also introduced a substitute amendment to increase penalties for promoting illegal betting operations, which could include prison sentences of up to 15 years. The bill is currently in its second stage of parliamentary consideration, undergoing article-by-article discussion in committees.