The Betting Landscape in Chile

Chile has become one of the most interesting emerging markets in Latin America for sports betting and online casinos. Unlike countries like Italy or Spain, where the regulatory framework is fully defined, in Chile, the sector is undergoing a legislative transition that will shape the future of the industry.

Until now, the operation of online betting houses in Chile has been possible thanks to international licenses obtained in jurisdictions such as Malta, Curaçao, and the Isle of Man. However, in 2023 and 2024, the Chilean Congress advanced bills to establish its own legal framework, with an emphasis on player protection, tax control, and responsible gaming.

This article is not an invitation to bet, but rather a guide to understanding how the online betting market is structured in Chile: its transitioning regulations, the most relevant operators, and the specific features that distinguish it in the region compared to other countries around the world.

The online betting market in Chile – an overview

The Chilean system is in a “hybrid” scenario :

• Bet on foreign platforms: Most operators (such as bet365, Betano or Stake) operate with international licenses.
• Regulation in development: The online gambling bill seeks to issue local licenses, set specific taxes, and establish safety and social responsibility measures.
• Advertising: Although there is no decree equivalent to Italy’s yet, advertising campaigns for betting houses in Chile are already facing increasing restrictions, especially in sports broadcasts.

At this point, Chile looks to the experiences of other countries:

• Since 2018, Italy has implemented the Dignità Decree, which completely bans gambling advertising on TV, radio, the internet, and sports sponsorships.
• Spain only allows advertising from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and has banned sponsorships on soccer club jerseys and stadiums, in addition to limiting the use of influencers.
• The United Kingdom is demanding responsible gambling messages; from 2026–27, Premier League clubs will remove betting companies from the front of their shirts.
• France allows campaigns under the supervision of the ANJ, which sanctions messages that are misleading or directed at minors.
• Colombia (a pioneer in Latin America) authorizes advertising with clear warnings and limits on “get rich quick” messages.
• Japan maintains a very restrictive model: only certain bets (horses, cycling, boating) and a ban on online casino advertising.

Faced with these models, Chile is likely to opt for a middle ground: not a total ban like Italy, but clear limits on hours, messages, and sponsorships, with the obligation to fund responsible gaming campaigns. Authorities are seeking fiscal control, payment traceability, and player protection, inspired by European and Latin American experiences but adapted to local reality.

Major betting houses in Chile

Below is an overview of the main operators currently attracting the attention of the Chilean public:

• Betano: This betting house is one of the market leaders, with a strong presence in sports sponsorships (Universidad de Chile, National Championship). It stands out for its aggressive promotions and wide variety of markets in soccer and casino.
• Jugabet: On the other hand, Jugabet is a relatively new brand that has gained traction thanks to its focus on localized promotions and competitive odds in Chilean and international leagues.
• Novibet: Well-known in Europe, it arrived in Chile with a robust offering of combined bets, enhanced odds, and live betting.
• Rojabet: In Chile, Rojabet is known as a local operator that has positioned itself as a “Chilean betting house,” standing out for its themed promotions linked to the national team and championships.
• Stake: Globally recognized, it’s a pioneer in cryptocurrency betting. Its offering attracts a young audience familiar with the digital world.
• bet365: A global leader in the sector, it offers the most comprehensive platform in terms of live markets, sports broadcasts, and a variety of disciplines.
• Coolbet: Coolbet is a Nordic operator committed to transparency, offering competitive odds and promotions in sports such as hockey and tennis, as well as soccer. It also offers bonuses for new users through its Coolbet bonus code.
• Estelarbet: A favorite in the local market for its ease of use, frequent promotions, and bets tailored to the Chilean public.
• Betsala: A growing brand with a strong focus on welcome bonuses and South American football markets.

Regulation and legal framework in development

The online gambling bill in Chile proposes:

• Limited and annual fee-based licenses ensure that only reliable operators enter the market.
• Specific taxes on gross gaming profits (GGR), intended to fund national sport and problem gambling prevention campaigns.
• KYC (Know Your Customer) obligation: identity and age verification to prevent access by minors.
• Self-limitation and self-exclusion: Mechanisms for players to define spending limits or temporarily exclude themselves from the platforms.
• Regulated advertising: Campaigns will be permitted, but under strict social responsibility rules.

This scheme seeks to balance market openness and government control, avoiding the proliferation of unreliable operators.

Comparatively:

• Colombia has had a consolidated licensing system since 2016.
• Italy and Spain apply stricter rules, especially on advertising and costs/licensing.
• Japan maintains a closed model, with no opening to online casinos.
• Chile seeks a middle ground, guaranteeing competitiveness and protection.

How the player is protected in Chile

Although there is no such rigorous system as Italy’s, Chilean legislative proposals include measures aligned with international standards:

1. Deposit and play time limits.
2. Single self-exclusion registry applicable to all authorized platforms.
3. Traceable payments eliminate the possibility of anonymous deposits.
4. Responsible gaming campaigns funded by operators.
5. Player funds are protected through segregated accounts, even in the event of the bookmaker’s bankruptcy.

Western European practices, although it has yet to be fully implemented.

Final considerations

Chile is in the midst of a transition to a regulated market. Meanwhile, players access internationally licensed platforms that already offer high security standards. However, with the passage of the law, a more controlled, transparent, and sustainable environment is expected for both operators and users.

From an international perspective, Chile appears to be moving toward a more flexible model than Italy and Japan, but with greater social responsibility than completely open markets. The future aims to consolidate a competitive, yet protected, system where digital entertainment coexists with modern and responsible legislation.

Betting in Chile – Frequently Asked Questions