Online Casinos in Chile Account for 35% of Gambling Revenue, Study Finds
A study by the Center for Public Studies (CEP) in Chile estimates that unauthorized online betting platforms generated approximately US$473 million in revenue in 2025. This figure represents 35% of the total income for the entire gambling industry in the country. The research suggests that if these platforms were authorized and taxed at a specific rate of 20% on gross gaming revenue, the government could have collected around US$94 million in taxes. The study highlights the significant economic impact and the potential tax revenue lost due to the presence of unregulated online gambling operations in Chile.
The substantial revenue generated by unauthorized online gambling platforms in Chile, estimated at US$473 million and comprising 35% of the total gambling market, indicates a significant regulatory gap. The potential tax revenue of US$94 million, based on a 20% gross revenue rate, highlights a missed fiscal opportunity for the government. This situation presents a classic policy trade-off between consumer protection, market regulation, and potential tax income. The proliferation of unregulated platforms suggests that existing legal frameworks may not adequately address the demand for online gambling, or that enforcement mechanisms are insufficient. Future policy considerations could involve exploring regulatory models that balance accessibility, taxation, and oversight to capture revenue and mitigate risks associated with unregulated markets, while also considering the evolving digital landscape and consumer behavior in the coming decade.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.