(AsiaGameHub) –   The Chilean government has accelerated the regulation of online gambling by granting the online gambling bill “supreme urgency” status, requiring Senate approval within 15 days.

Introduced to the Chilean Congress in March 2022, the online gambling bill establishes a licensing framework for operators, mandating that they obtain a government-issued license and establish a local company in Chile. The legislation also expands legal requirements for online gambling operations, enhances anti-money laundering measures, and introduces stricter regulations on responsible gambling practices.

Under the proposed law, online gambling operators must pay a 20% value-added tax (VAT) on gross gaming revenue to the Chilean government, plus an additional 1% of gross gaming revenue dedicated to responsible gambling initiatives. Additionally, gamblers will be required to pay a 15% tax on their winnings from successful bets to the government.

The bill grants the Chilean government authority to block access to unlicensed online gambling websites and suspend financial transactions with such platforms. Operators found violating the law may face fines, imprisonment, or both.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces new restrictions prohibiting gambling for minors, individuals who have self-excluded from gambling, and those with unpaid alimony obligations. A national exclusion registry will be established to include all participants enrolled in self-exclusion programs.