Chile’s regulated casino sector experienced a challenging 2025 as revenue and tax contributions declined, while illegal gambling activity continued to expand. In its latest annual report, the Asociación Chilena de Casinos y Juegos (ACCJ) renewed calls for stronger enforcement and regulatory measures to combat unlicensed operators and protect the legal market.
Casino Revenue and Tax Income Decline
According to the ACCJ, Chile’s land-based casinos generated CLP509.8 billion ($597.5 million) in gross gaming revenue during 2025, representing a 4.5% year-on-year decrease. Tax contributions also fell, with total collections declining 4.7% to CLP214 million.
Chile operated 25 casinos throughout the year, including 22 venues licensed under Law 19.995 and three municipal casinos undergoing regulatory transition. Despite the stable number of establishments, visitor numbers continued to weaken. Attendance at casinos licensed under Law 19.995 dropped 7.2% year-on-year to 926,873 visits.
At the same time, estimates valued Chile’s illegal online gambling market at approximately $3.1 billion, reinforcing concerns that unlicensed operators are diverting revenue away from regulated businesses.
Regulatory and Legislative Efforts Intensify
The growing influence of illegal gambling prompted increased regulatory scrutiny in 2025. A major development came when Chile’s Supreme Court ordered the blocking of illegal betting websites, a move the ACCJ welcomed as a critical step toward protecting consumers and limiting the impact of offshore operators.
ACCJ President Cecilia Valdes praised the ruling, noting that online gambling platforms remain illegal under Chilean law unless operated by authorized entities such as the Concepción Lottery, Polla Chilena, racetracks, or licensed casinos.
The association also increased its involvement in legislative discussions surrounding two key bills. One proposal seeks to establish a regulatory framework for online betting platforms, while another aims to strengthen economic intelligence measures designed to detect and prevent organized crime-related activities.
The ACCJ argued that future regulations should create a level playing field by imposing consistent requirements on taxation, transaction transparency, consumer protection, and compliance standards across all operators.
Youth Gambling Concerns Grow
Beyond market performance, the ACCJ highlighted rising concerns about youth exposure to online gambling. A national study found that 26% of young people had placed online bets within the previous 12 months, while the average age of gambling initiation was just 15.5 years.
The report also revealed that 92% of respondents had encountered gambling advertising through social media or livestreaming platforms. Additionally, 62% reported playing video games that include chance-based mechanics such as loot boxes.
In response, the ACCJ has expanded collaboration with health experts, government agencies, and educational stakeholders, emphasizing that effective regulation must be supported by prevention programs, digital literacy initiatives, and responsible gambling education.
