Chile Senate Committee Approves Online Betting Ban Amendments as Brazil Extends Fixed-Odds Prohibition

A Chilean Senate committee has voted to prohibit online betting platforms rather than license them, displacing the government's recent plan for regulation, a 22% effective tax, and phased advertising limits. On 9 November 2026 the Senate Economy Committee approved two substitute amendments by a vote of three in favour, one against and one abstention. The bill Boletín 14.838-03, submitted in March 2022, is in its second constitutional stage and requires additional committee work, a full Senate vote, and potential reconciliation with the Chamber of Deputies.

The first amendment, advanced by senators Gastón Saavedra and Diego Ibáñez, would ban operation, offering, and advertising of online betting. Profit-seeking violators face prison terms of 541 days to five years and fines of 200 to 1,000 UTM. Internet providers, app stores, and payment processors must block access, downloads, and transactions. Exemptions apply to Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, Lotería de Concepción, authorised racecourses, and casinos under Law 19.995. A second amendment from senators led by Paulina Núñez adds up to 15 years in prison, fines up to 10,000 UTM in aggravated cases, and permanent court-ordered blocking of illegal platforms. The Chamber of Deputies separately approved a 2027 budget measure barring the tax service from spending on mechanisms for unauthorised platforms.

In Brazil, Act No. 118 of 2026 extended Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 banning fixed-odds betting for another 60 days. Published 11 November 2026, the extension sets a new deadline of 4 March 2027. The designated joint committee has not yet been installed; if Congress fails to vote by the deadline the measure lapses.

U.S. and International Regulatory Actions

On 10 November 2026 Judge Colleen McMahon of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York denied a preliminary injunction sought by Ludlow Exchange LLC, trading as Novig, against New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Gaming Commission officials. McMahon ruled that Novig's sports contracts are not swaps under the Commodity Exchange Act and that the Act would not pre-empt state gambling law. Novig appealed to the Second Circuit on 11 November. Separately, Australia's ACMA issued guidance on the triple-lock exception for wagering ads effective 1 January 2027. The European Commission proposed a Digital Fairness Act on 11 November that would ban gambling-like features for minors, with linked rules allowing fines up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover. Guyana's Gaming Authority Bill was referred to a Special Select Committee on 11 November with no timetable set.

These steps, compiled in a roundup by Casino News Daily, show multiple jurisdictions tightening controls through bans, extensions, court rulings, and consumer-protection proposals. Many measures remain preliminary: Chile's amendments need full legislative approval and could return to the lower chamber, Brazil's ban could lapse without timely action, the U.S. decision faces appeal, and both the EU proposal and Australian register lack final implementation dates.

Legislative Timelines and Pending Hurdles

The absence of scheduled votes in Chile and the uninstalled Brazilian committee create concrete risks of delay or reversal. Operators face prolonged uncertainty over market access in Latin America, while the U.S. appeal, EU negotiations, and Australian register development will shape compliance costs and permitted activities. Regulators and investors should track chamber votes, court filings, and implementation deadlines, as these will dictate whether current restrictions harden into permanent barriers or yield regulated openings.