The bill is now moving forward to a full Senate vote.

Key Points:

• Chile’s Senate Finance Commission gave the bill unanimous approval.
• Both domestic and international operators will pay 19% VAT, with no exemptions included.
• The next process steps involve a Senate vote and a thorough review by the economic and finance committees.

Senate Finance Commission Approval

Chile’s Senate Finance Commission agreed without dissent to the main plan of a bill that will give rules for online betting platforms. This proposal has moved into the second stage of the constitutional process, requiring a full Senate decision before going back for close inspection by the Economy and Finance committees. The lawmakers want the new regulation to structure the online betting sector, guarantee fair competition and help public authorities watch over the market.

Heidi Berner, who is the undersecretary of Finance, stated that every digital betting service would pay the nation’s usual 19% VAT, also for foreign operators. Her forecast places the complete tax load at less than 28% if the new rules pass. The proposal includes ways to stop people under age from betting and sets controls for each platform. Berner mentioned that this law will allow legal actions against operators working without a license once the licensing rules begin.

Industry Consultation and Next Steps

Those involved in the process, such as operators and stakeholders, gave input that helped change the text. Good to know, Betsson, Betano, Coolbet, EstelarBet, and several other companies were part of the consultation period. During the last months, commissions met with national lottery groups, casino leaders, digital platform people, racing representatives and advocates to protect youth.

With passage, the bill will form the first true framework in Chile to handle online gambling, matching the way licensed casinos and horseracing are already handled. Lawmakers explained that the next review by the Economy and Finance committees will bring more updates and adjustments for the bill.