Chilean Senate President Paulina Núñez has tabled a substitute amendment to the bill regulating online gambling. It would impose up to 15 years in prison for promoting illegal betting sites in the most serious cases. The text replaces the previous version. It sets fines of up to 10,000 UTM and criminal liability for legal entities. The stated aim is to stop the illegal market expanding and protect families. It also targets platforms used by organized crime.
Blocking, payments and owners
The amendment sets out a court-led process for permanent blocking of websites and apps used for illegal betting. It would also cover related channels. The tools would be dynamic, so bans extend to mirror platforms set up to evade them. It also limits some payment services and punishes financing or commercial promotion of such sites where the person knew of their illegal origin. Hiding owners through false identities or sham corporate structures would be an aggravating factor. 'The state must act against the entire business structure, not only its digital facade,' Núñez said. Cutting the cash flow matters, she added.
A separate part covers minors and problem gambling. Participation by minors would be banned, with identity checks for control. The draft proposes voluntary betting limits and self-exclusion. Núñez criticised the focus on potential tax revenue from legalising new betting sites. 'The state cannot become a tax partner in a problem it is obliged to prevent,' she said. Senate debate continues, wording may still change.
