Chile Casino GGR and Tax Earnings Slide in 2025 During Online Gaming Law Delays

Key Points

• Chile casino GGR fell 4.5% in 2025 to CLP509.8bn; tax revenue dropped 4.7%, though average spend per visit increased.
• Online gambling law is still delayed, despite court action against illegal sites and industry pressure.
• Municipal casinos saw slight growth, while Colombia’s casinos increased healthcare contributions.

Chile’s land based Casinos reported weaker revenue numbers for 2025 and to be honest, last week’s figures from the Superintendency of Gaming Casinos pretty much confirmed what we’d been expecting: a decline. The total gross gaming revenue for the year came in at CLP509.8 billion, which when you look at it is a 4.5% drop compared to the year before. And to make matters worse all the while the online gambling laws are still stuck in limbo and the traditional casinos are really struggling.

Chile got 22 land-based casino licenses courtesy of that bit of legislation (Law No 19,995) and the ones that use them managed to get 926,873 visitors through the door during the reporting period. Not as busy as they’d been last year, in fact annual footfall actually dropped by 7.2%. Although on the bright side, people are still getting in on the action even though they’re not visiting the casinos as often, they’re actually going for broke, and betting more in general. Average spend per visit went up to CLP86,019 for the year, a 3.3% increase. Three casinos that operate out of municipal concessions seem to have had a different story in 2025. Their combined gross gaming revenue hit CLP39.5 billion for the year, alternatively you can look at that as CLP39,483 million and according to current exchange rates that’s roughly US$46,100. These municipal venues managed to buck the overall trend by actually experiencing 0.5% revenue growth versus last year’s results.

Casino Tax Receipts Decrease

Land-based casino tax collections pretty much mirrored the decline in gross gaming revenue nationwide. Overall tax revenue from casinos took a 4.7% hit and fell to CLP214 million. The 22 venues that operate with Law No 19,995 authorisation paid out CLP194.2 million, although you may also see that as CLP194.214 million Chilean pesos or US$227,000. The Monticello casino in the O’Higgins region was the top earner, coughing up CLP42.5 million to the government.

Casino Tax Revenue Structure

Chile’s casino tax revenue comes from multiple distinct sources and rates. Specific gambling taxes apply a 20% rate to gaming revenue streams. These taxes produced CLP84.4 million in government income during 2025. Official records sometimes show CLP84.363 million for this same figure. Half of these funds support regional government development initiatives directly. The other half goes to municipalities for local community projects. Casinos paid CLP81.4 million in value-added tax during the year. Government reports occasionally cite CLP81,401 million for this tax category. Gross gaming revenue forms the tax base after subtracting operator tax credits. Import taxes on gaming hall entrances raised CLP28.5 billion for Chile’s treasury. Some documents reference CLP28.45 billion for this revenue stream instead.

Economic Offer Payments Flow to Local Governments

CLP69,042 million in Economic Offer payments reached the General Treasury during 2025. Local municipalities receive these payments one month after casino contributions arrive. Payment distribution mirrors the allocation method for specific gambling tax revenues.

Online Betting Regulation Stalls Again

Chile’s land-based casino revenue struggled while online gambling laws remained unfinished business. Legislators introduced a regulatory bill back in 2022 for consideration. The Chamber of Deputies approved the measure during the 2023 sessions. Legislative momentum disappeared after that early success despite industry pressure. Chilean Casino and Gaming Association representatives continue advocating for bill passage. Several industry experts predict that regulatory approval might happen within this year. September’s Supreme Court ruling blocked illegal gambling websites across Chile. Cecilia Valdes leads the Chilean Casino and Gaming Association as president currently. She views the court decision as progress toward proper online regulation. Enforcement of the ruling must come before any other steps forward. Responsible regulations need to uphold legal principles while promoting fair competition. Valdes cautioned lawmakers against rushing legislation due to illegal operator demands.

Colombian Casinos Increase Healthcare Contributions

Land-based casinos in Colombia raised their healthcare system payments during 2025. Games at physical locations continued leading all segments in healthcare funding support. Casino and bingo hall operations produced 39% of the gaming industry revenue. Their financial contributions demonstrate how gaming supports essential public services regionally.