Chile is one step closer to formal online gambling regulation. On August 13, the Senate’s Finance Committee approved the bill that will legalise and regulate online betting platforms in the country. This is the final hurdle.

The bill proposes a licensing system, 19% VAT and total tax burden under 28%. Operators will have to verify player IDs, block minors and implement responsible gambling tools. Local and foreign operators will be treated equally.

The Senate vote followed technical presentations and legal debates. According to Undersecretary of Finance Heidi Berner, tax exemptions are not possible due to the VAT Law’s broad application to digital services. The industry has however expressed concerns that high taxation will push players to unregulated markets.

The project now moves to the next stage. If passed, Chile will be the latest LATAM country to have formalised online gambling laws.

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Key points of the bill:

  • Licensing for all online betting platforms
  • 19% VAT and additional taxes (total under 28%)
  • Biometric ID checks and payment control systems
  • Age restrictions and responsible gambling mechanisms
  • Equal tax treatment for local and foreign operators