Chilean Casino Association urges online gambling regulation now
Six months after the Supreme Court ruling that ordered the blocking of unauthorized betting sites in Chile, the formal industry has once again expressed the urgency of establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework. Cecilia Valdés, president of the Chilean Association of Casinos and Gaming (ACCJ), warned in a recent interview about the risks posed by the persistence of the illegal market, linking it to illicit economies and vulnerabilities in user security.
Valdés emphasized that non-compliance with current regulations fosters security problems and environments conducive to crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering. According to the executive, it is imperative to eradicate the source of funding for these illicit activities that have begun to normalize in the digital sphere.
Concerns about sports and cybersecurity
One of the most critical points highlighted by the ACCJ is the relationship between foreign operators and national sports:
- Sports funding: Valdés described it as "impressive" that unlicensed platforms sponsor most Chilean football teams, and therefore demanded traceability of these resources.
- Protection of minors: It was warned that the average age of initiation into illegal gambling is 15 years old, a situation described as extremely serious by the association.
- Data security: The president of the ACCJ questioned the lack of guarantees in the handling of banking and personal data, which represents a "giant door" for cybersecurity risks.
Towards an omnichannel business model
Regarding the bill currently being processed, Valdés indicated that the Ministry of Finance will have to conduct a thorough analysis to organize the multiple indications and define the future structure of the industry. The ACCJ's proposal includes moving towards the modernization of the sector under an omnichannel model.
The association argues that traditional land-based casino operators should be able to participate in the digital business on equal terms. According to Valdés, it is not sustainable to maintain rigid regulation for land-based gaming while allowing a highly technological online offering without adequate controls.
Finally, the leadership warned that the industry faces structural challenges due to the decline in visits and revenue at land-based casinos, and therefore urged the Executive to review the conditions that will allow this sector to be sustainable in the long term.
Tags: Chile, online gambling regulation, Chile gambling regulation, Chile online gambling