BGC Signs Cooperation Agreement with Chilean Online Operators’ Group

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has signed a Cooperation Agreement with Chile’s Agrupación de Plataformas de Apuesta en Línea (aPAL), in a move aimed at supporting the development of a sustainable and well-regulated online gambling and igaming framework in Chile. The BGC represents around 90 per cent of the UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry, while aPAL brings together international online betting operators that have been working since 2022 to advocate for modern gambling and igaming regulation in the country.

Online gambling and igaming are currently neither expressly prohibited nor formally regulated in Chile, although the market already features a land-based casino sector, horseracing and a lottery duopoly. A draft bill to regulate online operators has been under discussion for several years, and following recent elections, the new Chilean Government is now in a position to advance the legislation, with a licensing regime potentially coming into force as early as 2027. Under the Cooperation Agreement, the BGC and aPAL will collaborate to share international experience and evidence from established betting and igaming markets, contribute to the knowledge base around regulatory models, and engage with policymakers and stakeholders on the design of a licensing framework that seeks to balance consumer protection, channelisation and market viability. The agreement will initially run for one year and forms part of the BGC International Committee’s wider programme of engagement with partners in emerging betting and igaming jurisdictions worldwide.

Carlos Baeza, Chilean lawyer and representative of aPAL, said: “Chile has a real opportunity to introduce a modern, robust regulatory framework for online gambling that protects consumers, tackles illegal activity and delivers meaningful public benefits. At present, online gambling operates entirely outside any regulatory oversight, leaving players without safeguards and the state without visibility or control.

“By working with the BGC, we can draw on international best practice and ensure policymakers have access to high-quality evidence and experience from well-regulated markets.”

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, added: “The BGC is pleased to be working with aPAL at a pivotal moment for gambling reform in Chile. Well-designed regulation is essential to protect players, raise standards and drive out the harmful black market.

“The UK’s regulated market shows how robust licensing, high standards and effective oversight can support safer gambling while allowing a well-regulated industry to thrive. This agreement reflects our commitment to sharing that experience and supporting evidence-based policymaking internationally.”