BGC inks aPAL link up as Chile eyes iGaming regulation

Published: 2026-01-22T10:59:13+00:00

Summary

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has signed a cooperation agreement with Chile’s Agrupación de Plataformas de Apuesta en Línea (aPAL). The UK body will share regulatory experience and best practice with aPAL — a group of international operators including names such as Betsson — to support work on a draft bill to regulate online gambling in Chile. Currently online gambling in Chile is neither prohibited nor regulated, leaving operators without government oversight.

aPAL aims to push a licensing regime that covers taxation, consumer protection and responsible gambling standards, and believes a properly designed framework could be introduced as early as 2027. Industry voices warn delays risk capital flight, unsafe player environments and lost tax revenue. The BGC emphasises that well‑designed regulation can raise standards and reduce the black market.

Key Points

BGC and aPAL have signed a cooperation agreement to share international regulatory expertise.
Online gaming in Chile is currently unregulated but not banned; operators function without oversight.
aPAL includes major operators and is working with lawmakers to push a draft bill for a licensing regime (potentially by 2027).
Proposed regulation would cover licensing, taxation, consumer protection and responsible gambling rules.
Industry warns that continued delay costs the state tax revenue, exposes players to risk and fuels the black market.

Why should I read this?

Short and sharp — if you work in Latin American iGaming (or track regulation), this is one to watch. Chile looks set to move from a grey market to a licenced market, and the BGC getting involved speeds up access to tried‑and‑tested policy models. Basically: if you’ve got skin in the Chilean market (or are thinking about it), this could change the playing field — fast.

Context and Relevance

Chile is seen as a growth market in LATAM alongside Colombia and Peru. Reports suggest around five million Chileans bet online across more than 3,800 active sites, producing an estimated market value of about $3.1bn. With bipartisan support in the Chilean Senate and post‑election clarity, stakeholders see a clear path for legislation. For operators and suppliers, a move to a formal licence regime would mean a regulated commercial environment, clearer tax rules and stronger consumer protections — but also new compliance obligations.