Chile Senate revives online gambling bill amid casino opposition

The Chilean Senate is set to resume debate on a draft law that would regulate online gambling platforms. Casinos have enlisted former Justice and Security Minister Luis Cordero to challenge a recent decision by the Internal Revenue Service that permits betting sites to register and pay VAT, a move the industry sees as a pathway to legalization.

Online operators are organising into three groups – a coalition led by Carlos Baeza, a new association backed by Betano, and the AgruGaming guild headed by former casino superintendent Francisco Leiva. The government Treasury backs a framework that could generate roughly US$300 million in annual revenue, while the Ideas Republicanas party warns of youth gambling addiction and illicit financing. The charitable Polla Chilena de Beneficencia proposes that only currently regulated actors be allowed to operate. The dispute reflects competing economic interests, social concerns and questions of state oversight.