The UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has signed a landmark cooperation agreement with the Agrupación de Plataformas de Apuestas en Línea (aPAL), a key step toward establishing a sustainable online gambling framework in Chile.
The partnership unites the BGC, representing 90% of the UK’s regulated sector, with aPAL, a coalition of international operators advocating for modern regulation in South America.
Chile’s Path to Regulation
While online gambling is not strictly prohibited in Chile, the sector currently operates in a legislative gray area. However, the political landscape is shifting. Following recent elections, the new government is expected to prioritize a regulatory bill that could bring the industry under formal oversight by 2027. This move aims to complement Chile’s existing regulated sectors, such as land-based casinos and lotteries.
Sharing Expertise to Fight the Black Market
Under the one-year agreement, the two bodies will share international evidence and best practices to influence Chile’s licensing approach. The goal is to build a system that protects consumers while squeezing out unregulated operators.
Carlos Baeza, a representative for aPAL, highlighted the urgency of the moment.
Chile is faced with the chance to establish a new and effective legal framework of regulation for online gambling that is beneficial for its consumers, helps fight against illegal practices, and is extremely valuable for society.
He noted that the current lack of regulation leaves “gamers at a loss and the State notionally unaware.”
A Model for Global Standards
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, emphasized the value of the UK model as a blueprint for Chile.
The BGC is happy to be partnered with aPAL at a critical moment in gambling regulation reform in Chile. Regulated UK markets are an exemplar of how licensing, standards, and regulation can ensure safety in gambling… This agreement demonstrates our willingness to share these models internationally.
As Chile inches toward a regulated future, this collaboration signals a growing emphasis on global cooperation to ensure transparency and accountability in emerging markets.
