Chile launches Responsible iGaming Association to support online gambling regulation

Betano, Betsala, Estelarbet, Juegalo and Novibet have formed the Responsible iGaming Association in Chile, seeking to contribute to the development of a regulated online gambling market focused on consumer protection, responsible gaming and effective state oversight.

Five online betting operators have announced the creation of Chile’s Agrupación de iGaming Responsable, or Responsible iGaming Association (AGR), as the country continues debating legislation to regulate online gaming and sports betting.

The association’s founding members are Betano, Betsala, Estelarbet, Juegalo and Novibet. AGR said it intends to work with the Chilean government, Congress, regulatory authorities and civil society to help establish a modern framework for licensing and supervising online gambling operators.

The organisation will focus on responsible gambling, the exclusion of minors, safeguards for vulnerable groups, consumer security and transparent business practices. Its stated principles also cover cooperation with public institutions, anti-money-laundering controls, sustainable taxation, responsible advertising and action against illegal online gambling.

AGR executive director Sandra Kemp argued that the absence of regulation does not eliminate demand for online betting, but can instead direct consumers towards operators that are not subject to local supervision, accountability requirements or player-protection standards. The association believes that a licensing model would allow Chile to distinguish compliant companies from illegal operators while giving authorities stronger tools to monitor the market.

AGR plans to draw on regulatory experience from Latin American jurisdictions such as Brazil, Colombia and Peru, as well as more established markets including the United Kingdom, Spain and Canada. The new body said its members are prepared to accept rigorous technical standards and effective supervision as part of a formalised Chilean market.

The launch comes as lawmakers continue their detailed examination of Bill No. 14.838-03. The Chilean Senate approved the bill in general terms in August 2025, and its Economy Commission began reviewing proposed amendments in June 2026. The legislation remains in its second constitutional stage and is intended to introduce an authorisation system, responsible-gambling requirements, restrictions on unauthorised operators and stronger controls over payments, advertising and access by minors.

Under the version previously outlined by the Ministry of Finance, licensed platforms would be subject to VAT and a 20% specific gambling tax. The proposal also includes an additional contribution related to responsible gambling and a 2% levy on gross sports-betting revenue to support Chilean sports organisations. These provisions may still change as senators consider amendments.

AGR has also highlighted the potential economic scale of the sector. Citing estimates from H2 Gambling Capital, the association said Chile’s online gambling market currently generates approximately $625 million in gross gaming revenue and could reach $1.445 billion by 2030. The figures represent an industry projection rather than an official government forecast.

The creation of AGR gives online operators another organised voice in Chile’s regulatory debate. Its influence will ultimately depend on whether the association can demonstrate that its commitments to consumer protection, transparency and regulatory compliance translate into enforceable standards. With the bill once again under active consideration, the coming legislative discussions will determine whether Chile can replace its fragmented online gambling environment with a controlled and sustainable licensing system.