Future of online betting to be decided in Chile

The motion led by deputy Marco Antonio Sulantay (UDI) intends to legislate against these companies that have been questioned in their operation in Chile since most of them do not have a Chilean domicile. This situation allows them not to be taxed in the country despite the millions of dollars that are obtained in profits. For now, they are illegal and are not supervised by any state body.

This is a legislative initiative that is in force in parallel to the one that would regulate its presence in the national market. For this reason, the vote that is scheduled for this week in the Chamber of Deputies and Deputies could generate economic problems in Chilean soccer, which is supported by millions of agreements with these international and national companies. In fact, one of the latest strong offers for the rights to the 2023 National Championship is from Betsson. The vote of the parliamentarians is finally on the table and took November 30, in the ordinary session of the Lower House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is the first constitutional procedure, so it could be studied again in the commission with some indications, a post that appears among the analyzes of the environment of the betting houses that have maintained the lobby to try to convince the parliamentarians not to prohibit the auspices.

“Of course the clubs are concerned and we have held several meetings with managers, explaining to them that this is a legal activity and, in fact, it is one of the most regulated industries in the world. Today, betting platforms are the main sponsors of professional soccer teams, replicating a global trend, but these resources also benefit youth and women's soccer," explained Carlos Baeza, lawyer representing Betano, Betsson, Coolbet, Estelarbet, and Latamwin. Bookmakers have an 85% approval rating

In advance of this vote in the Chamber of Deputies and Deputies, a study by the Citizen Panel carried out on October 27 and 28, 2022 analyzed theperception of Chileans regarding online sports betting houses that EL DÍNAMO accessed.

75% know them or have heard of them, while 73% say they found out about these platforms through social networks. Among those who declared knowing about these bookmakers, 37% confirmed that they have used them.

Regarding the regulation of the operation of these companies in Chile, 85% of those surveyed approve them and 60% believe that they should pay the same taxes as physical casinos (Monticello, Dreams, Enjoy). The other 40% are evenly divided between those who believe they should pay more taxes and those who should pay less.

The analysis also asked about the economic impact on the clubs if the advertising ban is approved. Of the people consulted, 61% believe that it will have economic consequences. The rest think it won’t.