Chile Faces Online Betting Ban Proposal as Regulation Bill Is Delayed

Chile's Senate has extended the deadline for amendments to its online betting regulation bill until October 26, as lawmakers debate competing proposals ranging from strict licensing requirements to an extensive prohibition of online gambling.

Chile's efforts to establish a legal framework for online betting have entered a new stage of uncertainty after the Senate extended the deadline for submitting amendments to October 26, 2026.

The extension was requested by the government to allow additional technical discussions and consultations aimed at reaching a consensus. The legislation is currently undergoing its second stage of parliamentary consideration in the Senate's Economic Affairs Committee.

While some lawmakers support creating a regulated betting market, others are proposing substantially stricter measures.

Senator Paulina Núñez has introduced amendments that would preserve the existing legal position of state-authorised lottery operators while establishing stronger restrictions on online gambling. Her proposal includes penalties for bettors, separate sanctions for gambling advertising and judicial blocking of unauthorised websites within 90 days of the legislation taking effect.

Senators Gastón Saavedra and Diego Ibáñez have proposed a different approach, including criminal penalties for unauthorised online casino operations and advertising, while explicitly exempting individual bettors from punishment.

Meanwhile, other lawmakers support a licensing framework incorporating consumer protection, identity verification, financial transparency and dedicated gambling taxes.

The debate follows earlier enforcement action against illegal online betting platforms. In September, Chile's telecommunications authority ordered internet providers to block 42 gambling-related websites following court decisions.

The competing proposals highlight the challenges facing Chile as it attempts to reconcile consumer protection, tax collection and the potential development of a regulated online betting market. The amendments submitted by October 26 could significantly influence whether the country adopts a licensing system or moves towards broader restrictions.