THE HONEST SITUATION IN CHILE
Chile is the most complicated sports betting market in Latin America right now. Let's be direct about what's happening:
In late 2025, Chile's Supreme Court declared online sports betting illegal under existing commercial codes. The Court sided with Lotería de Concepción (a state lottery) and ordered major ISPs—Entel, Movistar, WOM, VTR—to block access to offshore betting sites.
This ruling upended a $3+ billion gray market where operators like Betsson openly sponsored the Chilean First Division football league. Overnight, those sponsorships ended and sites started getting blocked.
But here's the reality: the blocks haven't worked particularly well. Operators immediately launched mirror domains, and users with basic technical knowledge can still access betting sites. The market continues to operate, just with more friction.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
Online sports betting is currently illegal in Chile following the Supreme Court ruling. Using offshore sites carries legal risk. We're providing this information for educational purposes—not as encouragement to break Chilean law. The situation may change once pending legislation passes.
WHAT HAPPENED: THE TIMELINE
Tolerant Gray Market
Chile had no online gambling law, but authorities tolerated offshore operators. Betsson sponsored the Chilean football league. Betano, Coolbet, and others operated openly. Estimated market: $3.1 billion.
Supreme Court Ruling
Court ruled in favor of Lotería de Concepción, declaring online betting illegal. Ordered ISP blocking of 23 major sites including Betano, Betsson, Coolbet, Betway, and 1xbet.
Blocks Implemented
ISPs began blocking named sites. Betsson ended Chilean football sponsorship. Operators immediately launched mirror domains (e.g., lat.betano.com, coolbetchile.com) to circumvent blocks.
Senate Bill Advances
Legislation to regulate online gambling (Boletín 14.838-03) passed Senate 27-3-5. Bill would create licensing framework with 20% GGR tax + 19% VAT. Currently stuck in committee.
Legal Limbo
Sites are technically blocked but accessible via mirrors and VPNs. Legislation pending. No legal way to bet within Chilean law. Situation could change within months.
THE CURRENT REALITY
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, the blocks have been largely ineffective. Here's why:
Mirror Domains
Operators immediately created alternative URLs. When betano.com was blocked, lat.betano.com appeared. When that gets blocked, another will surface. It's a game of whack-a-mole the authorities are losing.
VPN Usage
Approximately 10% of Chilean users report using VPNs or alternative DNS settings to access original domains. Basic technical workarounds defeat the blocks.
Scale of the Problem
The court ordered blocking of 23 sites. The Superintendency of Casinos estimates 900+ platforms operate in Chile. Industry analysts count 3,800+ operators. Blocking 23 barely scratches the surface.
Financial Blocking: The Real Threat
More concerning than ISP blocks: banks have been ordered to decline transactions with gambling Merchant Category Codes (MCCs). This makes card deposits harder—but cryptocurrency bypasses this entirely.
💡 The Crypto Angle
With financial institutions blocking gambling transactions, cryptocurrency has become the primary workaround. Crypto sportsbooks like Stake aren't affected by Chilean banking restrictions. This explains why crypto adoption for gambling has spiked in Chile.
OPTIONS FOR BETTING IN CHILE (GRAY AREA)
To be clear: there is no legal way to bet on sports in Chile right now. The following information describes what's happening in the gray market—not what we recommend.
Cryptocurrency Sportsbooks
Offshore crypto sportsbooks operate outside Chilean jurisdiction and aren't affected by domestic banking restrictions. They're technically illegal under Chilean law, but enforcement focuses on operators, not individual bettors.
Stake is the most prominent option. English interface, 20+ cryptocurrencies accepted, passport verification. They've never relied on Chilean payment rails, so the blocks don't affect them.
🎰 STAKE - CRYPTO SPORTSBOOK
Bypasses Chilean banking blocks via cryptocurrency. English interface. Passport verification. Operates outside Chilean jurisdiction.
Visit Stake →18+ | Crypto Only | Gray area in Chile | Gamble Responsibly
Mirror Domains
Major operators maintain mirror domains that aren't (yet) blocked:
- Betano: lat.betano.com and variants
- Coolbet: coolbetchile.com and variants
- Others: Change frequently as blocks are implemented
These sites are the same operators, just different URLs. They're in cat-and-mouse mode with authorities.
VPN + Original Domains
Using a VPN to access blocked sites works but adds complexity. Connect to an Argentine or Peruvian server, access the original domain. Note: some operators may flag VPN usage.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
For individual bettors: Enforcement has focused on operators, not users. There are no reported cases of Chilean individuals being prosecuted for placing bets. However, the legal framework theoretically allows it.
Our advice: If you're in Chile, wait for the regulation bill to pass and the market to normalize. If you can't wait, crypto is the path of least friction—but acknowledge the legal gray area.
THE PENDING LEGISLATION
Chile's Senate has been working on Boletín 14.838-03, a bill to properly regulate online gambling. Here's what it proposes:
Proposed Framework
- Licensing: Operators would need Chilean licenses to operate legally
- GGR Tax: 20% on Gross Gaming Revenue
- VAT: 19% Value Added Tax also applies
- Contributions: Additional levies for responsible gambling (1%) and sports federations (2%)
- Total tax burden: Approximately 40% combined
Current Status
The bill passed the Senate 27-3-5 in August 2025 and is now in joint Economy-Finance committee review. A controversial "cooling-off" clause would force existing gray market operators to cease operations for 12 months before applying for licenses—essentially punishing the established players while inviting new entrants.
Timeline Estimate
If the bill clears committee and passes final votes, regulation could come in late 2026 or 2027. Until then, the current legal chaos continues.
🔮 What Happens When Regulation Passes
Once Chile regulates, expect major international operators (bet365, Betsson, Betano) to apply for licenses. The market would normalize like Colombia or Peru—clear rules, licensed operators, legitimate payment options. Until then, it's the Wild West.
ALTERNATIVES: BET FROM NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
If you're an American expat who splits time between Chile and other South American countries, you have easier options when traveling:
Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Fully regulated with bet365, Betsson, and other major operators. English interfaces available. Mercado Pago for easy deposits. A 2-hour flight from Santiago.
Peru (Lima)
Clean regulatory framework. Betsson/Inkabet, bet365, Stake all available. No tax on player winnings. Credit cards work for foreigners.
Colombia
Mature regulated market since 2016. Betsson, Stake, Codere all licensed. If you have a Colombian cédula, excellent options.
If you regularly visit these countries, set up accounts there. Then bet legally when you're outside Chile.
WHAT CHILEANS BET ON
When the market was openly operating, Chilean bettors focused on:
Chilean Football
- Primera División: Colo-Colo, Universidad de Chile, Universidad Católica
- Superclásico: Colo-Colo vs. Universidad de Chile—the biggest rivalry
- Copa Chile: Domestic cup competition
- Copa Libertadores: Chilean clubs in continental play
International Football
- La Liga, Premier League: Deep markets at major books
- Champions League: High interest
- Chile National Team: World Cup qualifiers generate massive betting volume
US Sports
- NFL: Growing interest, available at international books
- NBA: Popular, especially with Chilean NBA fans
American or British Expat?
We have step-by-step guides specifically for expats dealing with US/UK banking blocks, passport verification, and finding sportsbooks that actually work for foreigners.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is sports betting legal in Chile?
No. The Supreme Court ruled it illegal in 2025. There is no legal way to bet online in Chile currently.
Can I be prosecuted for betting in Chile?
Theoretically yes, but enforcement has focused entirely on operators. There are no reported cases of individual bettors being prosecuted.
When will Chile regulate betting?
A bill is pending in Congress. If passed, regulation could come in late 2026 or 2027.
Do the ISP blocks work?
Not really. Mirror domains, VPNs, and alternative DNS defeat them. About 10% of users report using workarounds.
What about cryptocurrency?
Crypto bypasses Chilean banking restrictions entirely. Stake and other crypto sportsbooks work without relying on Chilean payment rails.
Should I wait for regulation?
If you can wait, yes. A regulated market will offer consumer protections, legitimate operators, and clear legal standing. The gray market carries inherent risks.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Chile is in legal limbo. The Supreme Court banned online betting, blocks have been implemented, but the reality on the ground is murky. Operators continue via mirror domains. Crypto bypasses banking restrictions. Millions of Chileans still bet.
Our honest assessment:
- There is no legal way to bet in Chile right now
- Enforcement targets operators, not individual bettors
- Crypto sportsbooks like Stake are the path of least friction
- Legislation is pending—the market should normalize eventually
- If you can wait, wait. If you can't, understand the risks.
Chile will likely regulate within 1-2 years. When it does, expect a proper market with licensed operators. Until then, proceed with caution. 🇨🇱