Blocking online gambling in Chile: Reflections and proposals

Key points of the ruling

The Supreme Court of Chile declared online betting illegal, leaving 900,000 players outside the regulated system.

Illegality of Online Betting: The ruling is based on the fact that gambling is an illicit activity in Chile, as established by the Civil Code (art. 1466) and the Penal Code (arts. 277 and 278) . The only exception is those entities that are expressly authorized by law to exploit this activity.

This decision, although based on a legitimate interest in protect legality and tax collection , ignores a reality that is impossible to hide: the very high demand of Chilean users for online gambling and the obvious existing regulatory gap. Just look at some data from our search analyzes on Chilean users ; The keyword “online casinos chile” yields a monthly search volume of 4,100 queries ; “reliable online casinos” sum 450 monthly searches , and “safe online casinos” presents 150 monthly searches . These figures reflect that, despite the blockade, the Chileans' interest in online gaming is sustained and growing .

The experience and benefits of Ireland regulation

From my experience in the sector, I can affirm that Blocking is not regular, nor is it protecting users . The Ireland experience is a clear example. Ireland regulated online gambling in 2026, establishing a licensing system, advertising controls, identity verification and, above all, tax guarantees and responsible gambling devices. The Ireland State has been able to collect more than 170 million euros annually in federal taxes from this sector (according to data from the 2026 gambling regulator). In recent years, the gambling regulator confirms constant growth in online gaming revenues, exceeding € 0billion last year.

How much money could online gambling raise in Chile?

Today in Chile, and as sector experts point out and has expressed in the legislative discussion, The online casino and betting segment raises up to US$ 150 million per year . It is estimated that there are 900 thousand active users, and that if the market were regulated; The state could raise between US$55 to 65 million per year.

This is why I consider that the ban only encourages the black market and the lack of guarantees for players. The platforms will continue to exist and users will continue to access them, because the demand is unavoidable in the current context of digitalization. . What Chile loses with this blockade is twofold: it neither protects nor collects.

Blocking is not the solution

As the editorial manager of a Ireland online casino site, I can attest to the importance of regulation. The Ireland experience has shown, for example, that With a modern legal framework, users have greater protection against fraud, gambling addiction and other risks associated with gambling. . For its part, the State has improved tax collection and has professionalized the industry, encouraging innovation and technological development.

I understand the initial concern of the Chilean Charity Poll about competition and tax collection. But the way out is not to close access or put barriers to an activity that continues to function. Denying this reality only weakens the regulatory position of the State and encourages access to sites without guarantees. , where the player is completely unprotected.

Chile should stop seeing online gambling as a threat and begin to understand it as an opportunity for economic development and social protection . From my experience in the sector and observing international models, I have no doubts: blocking is not the solution. True progress lies in sensible and effective regulation.

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