Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: In 2026, private operators cannot legally run online gambling in Chile, so they cannot legally advertise it to Chilean players either. Chile’s Supreme Court ruled in September 2025 that online gambling is illegal unless specifically authorised by law, and in September 2026 the telecoms regulator ordered internet providers to block 42 betting sites. A bill to license online betting is moving through Congress. Until it becomes law and licences are issued, brands should prepare rather than advertise.
Chile has often been described as an attractive Latin American market for online gambling. The legal picture, however, has changed sharply. This guide explains where the law stands, what the proposed regulation would change, and how operators and advertisers can get ready for a regulated market.
Where Chilean law stands in 2026
According to MercoPress:
- Chile’s Supreme Court ruled in September 2025 that online gambling is illegal unless it is specifically authorised by law.
- A foreign licence does not make a site legal in Chile.
- Only a few entities hold permission for certain online forms of gambling, including the state lotteries Polla Chilena de Beneficencia and LoterĆa de ConcepciĆ³n and authorised horse-racing operations.
- On 1 September 2026, the Subsecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) ordered six internet providers to block 42 betting and gambling websites from a list prepared by the gaming regulator.
For advertisers, the conclusion is simple: promoting unlicensed online casinos or sportsbooks to Chilean players carries legal risk for the operator and for anyone who helps it reach players.
The online betting bill
Chile has been debating a law to regulate online betting since 2022. According to Yogonet, the bill (Bill 14838-03) was approved by the Senate in August 2025 and received the highest legislative urgency in May 2026. As reported, it would:
| Area | Proposed rule |
|---|---|
| Licences | A general operating licence, with operators incorporated in Chile |
| Regulator | The casino regulator would become the Superintendency of Casinos, Betting and Games of Chance |
| Taxes | 20% on gross gaming income plus VAT, a 1% responsible-gaming contribution and a 15% tax on player winnings at withdrawal |
| Sport | 2% of sports betting income for national sports federations |
| Player protection | A national self-exclusion register |
| Enforcement | New criminal offences for unlicensed operation |
The bill could still change before it becomes law, so check the final text and any advertising rules it introduces.
How to prepare for a regulated Chilean market
- Follow the bill. Track its progress and any rules on advertising, sponsorship and bonuses.
- Plan the licence. The proposal requires local incorporation, so legal and tax planning will take time.
- Stop or avoid unlicensed activity. As reported, the bill would block licence applications from firms that operated without a licence in the previous 12 months.
- Build compliant tools. Self-exclusion, age checks and responsible gambling features will be expected.
- Prepare local creatives. Chilean Spanish, local payment methods and local sports such as the national football league.
- Choose partners who check licences. Reputable ad networks, including CliqBetter, only run gambling campaigns for operators licensed in the markets they target.
What you can do in Latin America today
Several Latin American markets now have regulated online gambling. Brazil, for example, launched its regulated online betting market on 1 January 2025 (Vixio). Read our guide on promoting online gambling in Latin America and our overview of gambling advertising laws around the world.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a CuraƧao or other foreign licence covers Chile. The courts have said it does not.
- Advertising to Chilean players before a domestic licence exists.
- Ignoring the 12-month rule in the proposed law, which could block a later licence.
- Building a Chile strategy on old articles written before the 2025 ruling.
Frequently asked questions
Not for private operators in 2026. Chile’s Supreme Court ruled in September 2025 that online gambling is illegal unless specifically authorised by law, and only a few entities, such as the state lotteries and authorised horse racing, hold such permission.
Not legally for an unlicensed operator. Chile has begun blocking betting sites, and advertising unlicensed gambling to Chilean players carries legal risk.
A bill to license online betting was approved by the Senate in August 2025 and given the highest legislative urgency in May 2026. It still has to complete the legislative process.
As reported, operators would need a general licence and a Chilean company, pay a 20% tax on gross gaming income plus VAT and other contributions, and follow responsible gaming rules including a national self-exclusion register.
In markets with licensing regimes where your operator holds a licence, such as Brazil, which opened its regulated market on 1 January 2025. Always check local advertising rules.
Plan compliant LatAm campaigns
CliqBetter works with licensed operators across regulated markets. Book a demo to plan campaigns where your brand is licensed.