SiGMA Magazine: Chile's online gambling market awaits its turning point

About SiGMA Magazine

SiGMA Magazine is one of the most recognized global publications in the iGaming industry, covering regulatory developments, market trends, and executive insights across key regions. Through interviews with industry leaders and on-the-ground reporting, SiGMA provides a detailed view of how markets evolve and where opportunities emerge.

The following article is a translated adaptation of content originally published in SiGMA Magazine (Issue #38).

Chile's online gambling market awaits its turning point

Chile's online gambling market has flourished in a grey zone for years without consumer safeguards or a clear licensing framework, even as the country maintains a well-established land-based casino and lottery sector. Lea Hogg spoke with Felipe Pastenes, CEO of Miela, about the shape of Chile's future iGaming market.

The turning point in Chile

The iGaming debate in Santiago has now entered a more decisive phase. Lawmakers are revisiting long-standing proposals to regulate online betting and casino games. The plan would introduce a structured licensing framework, potentially coming into force by 2027.

Chile has been slower than its neighbours in moving toward comprehensive online gaming regulation, explains Felipe Pastenes. Countries like Colombia and Mexico have clear frameworks and are already seeing benefits. Chile is progressing, but we are still earlier in the process.

The proposed legislation would introduce taxes, regulatory oversight, and player protection mechanisms, moving the sector out of the grey zone. Pressure for clarity is mounting. In 2025, Chile's Supreme Court ordered internet service providers to block access to unauthorized betting websites, highlighting the growing tension between enforcement and the absence of a legal alternative.

Pastenes points to the presidential elections as a turning point.

With the upcoming presidential term starting in 2026, there is