The UK’s Betting and Gaming Council has signed a cooperation agreement with Chile’s aPAL to support efforts in shaping online gambling regulation, marking a significant step as Chile moves toward a regulated market and stronger consumer protections.
The UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and Chile’s Agrupación de Plataformas de Apuestas en Línea (aPAL) have signed a cooperation agreement to support the development of a structured online gambling regulatory framework in Chile. The deal brings international regulatory experience to Chile as lawmakers and industry advocates work toward a safer, more transparent digital wagering environment.
Under the one-year agreement, the BGC — representing around 90% of the UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry — will share expertise with aPAL and engage with policymakers to inform the design of licensing, compliance, and consumer protection measures. While online gambling isn’t currently formally regulated in Chile, both sides say this collaboration is a timely effort to shape a licensing regime that balances consumer safeguards, market viability, and enforcement.
Online gambling in Chile currently exists in a legal grey area: it isn’t explicitly prohibited, but it operates outside of a dedicated regulatory regime overseen by the country’s Superintendence of Casinos. Traditional casino gaming, the national lottery, and some forms of sports betting have defined rules, but online platforms have long outpaced legislation, leaving operators and users to navigate an unclear legal landscape.
The cooperation agreement aims to change that by bringing international best practices to the table. Chile has already seen moves toward formal regulation in recent years, including a draft bill that would establish licensing, tax, and oversight requirements for online operators. The BGC said the timing of the partnership aligns with a more favourable political environment for legislative progress, potentially enabling a regulated online market by 2027.
One area drawing particular attention from both advocates and regulators is how consumer engagement with online activities — including wagering — can be both informed and protected. For example, fans often consult gambling websites for informational insights into how upcoming bouts are projected — reflecting how engagement with sport outcomes and market data can intersect with regulatory concerns in unregulated spaces like Chile’s current system. Such platforms can highlight demand for regulated offerings that balance accessibility with protection of users and public confidence.
Officials say the partnership will focus on a few key elements:
An aPAL represents a group of international online operators active in Chile since 2022, advocating for modern and clear regulation to replace the current patchwork of policy interpretations. Representatives say that by working alongside a partner like the BGC, Chile has a chance to adopt frameworks that protect players and generate sustainable public benefit.
Chile’s tentative steps toward regulation reflect broader trends in Latin America. Several countries in the region have been exploring licensing systems for digital gambling and betting markets, seeking to balance innovation with public safety and oversight. In Chile’s case, the absence of clear rules has left players without standard protections and left authorities with limited control over unregulated platforms.
The involvement of an established international organization, such as the BGC, adds credibility to Chile’s policy discussions. By focusing on evidence-based models and well-tested frameworks from the UK — where regulated betting and gaming operate under strict oversight — Chilean policymakers may have a stronger foundation for drafting effective laws.
Supporters of regulation argue that a well-designed licensing regime can reduce illegal gambling activity, protect consumers from exploitation, and create a more transparent market that contributes to tax revenue and public trust. As the legislative process unfolds, the BGC-aPAL cooperation agreement is expected to play a significant role in shaping Chile’s approach to these goals.
