Chile’s casino revenue declines amid online gambling debate
Chile’s land-based casino industry reported a downturn in 2025, with revenue falling to CLP509.8 billion ($597.5 million)—a 4.5 percent year-on-year decline, according to the latest data provided by Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ).
Visitor trends
Local media reports account that the country’s 22 licensed casinos under Law No. 19,995 recorded 926,873 visits, a 7.2 percent drop compared to the previous year. Despite fewer visitors, average spending per visit rose 3.3 percent to CLP86,019 ($100.50), suggesting stronger engagement among those who did attend.
These casinos employ thousands across gaming operations, hospitality, security, and administration. However, declining visits could pressure staffing levels, particularly in customer-facing roles. Reduced government collections may also affect funding for regional development projects, indirectly impacting employment in public works. Casinos operating under municipal concessions generated CLP39.5 billion ($46.2 million) in gross gaming revenue (GGR), a modest 0.5 percent increase.
Tax contributions
Total tax collection fell 4.7 percent in 2025 to CLP214 million ($250,380). Of this, CLP194.2 million ($227,214) came from casinos authorised under Law No. 19,995. Monticello Casino, located in the O’Higgins region, was the largest contributor, paying CLP42.5 million ($49,725) as quoted by local media outlets.
As one of Chile’s largest integrated resorts, Monticello combines gaming with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues—an approach that attracts both domestic and international visitors.
The property boasts of having more gaming tables, slot machines, and amenities than most competitors, while hosting concerts and large-scale events that boost traffic beyond gaming. Additionally, its proximity to Santiago, just an hour’s drive away, provides a strategic advantage by drawing urban customers who might otherwise bypass smaller regional casinos.
Chile’s 20 percent gambling-specific tax generated CLP84.4 million ($98,600), split evenly between regional governments and municipalities to fund development projects. Additional levies included the value-added tax (VAT) at CLP81.4 million ($98,748) and the gaming hall entrance tax at CLP28.5 billion ($33.3 million), as reported by media reports.
Legislative outlook
The debate over online gambling regulation continues. A bill introduced in 2022 and approved by the Chamber of Deputies in 2023 stalled in subsequent discussions, despite pressure from industry stakeholders such as the Chilean Casino and Gaming Association (ACCJ).
Momentum may shift in 2026 after the Supreme Court ordered a ban on illegal gambling sites in September 2025, raising speculation that the long-delayed legislation could finally be enacted.
Regional comparison
Chile lags behind nearby countries in land-based revenues. In multiple media reports, Argentina and Brazil together generated US$6 billion in 2025, driven by larger populations, diverse gambling offerings, and expanding online markets.
Argentina currently has the strongest market in Latin America, with online gambling alone forecasted at US$1.57 billion in 2025. Followed by Brazil where sports betting and iGaming dominate, with 25 million bettors in 2025. The betting boom is creating new employment opportunities in tech and compliance.
While Peru may be smaller than Chile, it does show steady growth thanks to regulatory reforms. Remote gambling revenue reached US$419 million in 2025. Without online gambling regulation, Chile risks stagnation while its neighbours capture digital growth and expand job opportunities in emerging markets.
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