Chile Survey Indicates Broad Support for Regulated Online Gambling as Senate Considers Ban on Private Operators
University of San Sebastián survey finds 63.5% support strict online gambling regulation in Chile, with 98.6% backing identity verification and anti-fraud measures. Results coincide with Senate Economy Committee approval of two ban amendments on private operators by 3-1-1 votes, against the government's licensing proposal including 19% VAT. Bill now heads to Finance Committee.
SCCG Take — Polling gives clear public mandate for tight regulation over prohibition. Operators and investors should track Senate reconciliation for compliance requirements that match these near-unanimous safeguard priorities.
A University of San Sebastián survey has found that 63.5% of respondents support strict government regulation of online gambling platforms. Another 30.8% favour a complete ban, while only 4.3% back unrestricted operation. These results surface as Chile's Senate weighs legislation that could prohibit private online operators entirely.
Strong Consensus on Identity Verification and Anti-Crime Measures
The poll, titled “Chile Nos Habla de Apuestas en Línea,” showed 98.6% of respondents in favor of mandatory identity verification before users access betting services. The same 98.6% identified prevention of fraud, money laundering, and organised crime financing as legislative priorities. As detailed by iGamingToday, 98.3% viewed age and identity verification as important for protecting minors, with 94.6% calling it very important.
Support for taxation stood at 95.3% for requiring operators to pay taxes in Chile. 84.5% backed allocation of funds toward prevention, research, and treatment of problem gambling. Other measures drew 89.9% support for mandatory deposit and spending limits, 86.3% for a centralised self-exclusion register across online and land-based operators, and 85.5% for controls on session duration. 98.4% endorsed mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions, and 95% supported independent regulatory audits.
Committee Approvals for Ban Amendments
Chile’s Senate Economy Committee approved two amendments to prohibit private online gambling operators. Both proposals passed with three votes in favour, one against, and one abstention. The government had advanced a licensing framework that included five-year licences, a 19% VAT on the difference between bets received and prizes paid, plus an additional 3% tax, along with advertising restrictions and a fund for gambling-related harm.
NEXT.io reported that the bill must still pass the Senate’s Finance Committee before a full Senate vote. The committee decision bypassed the government licensing text in that session. The survey, as covered by the Times of Casino, reflects preference for strict oversight with consumer protections over either a total ban or unregulated access. Final legislative form will turn on further votes and reconciliation of these positions.
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