TLDR Chile’s land-based casino revenue dropped 4.5% in 2025 to $597.5 million while the illegal online gambling market ballooned to an estimated $3.1 billion. Casino visits fell 7.2% and tax revenue declined 4.7%, with the ACCJ blaming the normalization of unauthorized online betting platforms. A national study found 26% of Chilean youth placed online bets in the past year, with the average gambling start age at just 15.5 years old. Chile’s Supreme Court ordered internet providers to block illegal betting websites, and two major regulatory bills are moving through the legislature. The ACCJ is now working with health professionals and government officials to push for digital literacy programs and mental health protections for young people. Chile’s Legal Casino Industry Faces Mounting Pressure
Chile’s regulated gambling sector is shrinking fast. The country’s trade body for casinos, the ACCJ, published its 2025 annual report on Monday and the numbers tell a troubling story for licensed operators.
Gross gaming revenue from Chile’s 25 legal casinos fell 4.5% year-on-year to CLP509.8 billion, or roughly $597.5 million. Visits to authorized casinos dropped 7.2% to 926,873.
Tax revenue from the sector also slipped, falling 4.7% in real terms to CLP214 million.
At the same time, the country’s illegal online gambling market surged. The ACCJ estimates it is now worth approximately $3.1 billion.
The association says unauthorized platforms operating outside Chile’s tax and regulatory systems are directly responsible for pulling customers away from licensed casinos.
Under current Chilean law, gambling is only legal through a handful of authorized channels. These include the Concepción Lottery, Polla Chilena, racetracks, and licensed casinos.
The Chilean Supreme Court stepped in with a ruling that ordered local internet service providers to block illegal betting domains. ACCJ President Cecilia Valdes called the ruling a necessary measure.
“We deeply appreciate the