Operators Betano, Betsala, Estelarbet, Juegalo, and Novibet have announced the creation of the Responsible iGaming Association (AGR), a new industry body established in Chile to support the push for online gaming and sports betting regulation, with a focus on consumer protection and safeguarding minors.
AGR describes itself as bringing together operators committed to working alongside the government to help develop a regulatory framework aligned with the experience of regional markets such as Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, as well as more mature jurisdictions including Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, and other European Union countries.
According to the association, it was established “to work constructively with the State and support efforts to regulate the industry by preventing underage gambling, ensuring a safe environment for Chilean consumers—particularly vulnerable groups—and creating a level playing field for operators.”
Sandra Kemp, Executive Director of AGR, said: “Online betting is already a reality in Chile. The absence of regulation or attempts to prohibit it do not eliminate the activity; they simply push it toward operators that are not subject to standards, oversight, or accountability.”
“The key challenge is ensuring the industry operates under a clear regulatory framework that allows responsible, licensed operators to prioritize the protection of minors and vulnerable groups, safeguard adult users, contribute to public revenues through taxation, create employment opportunities, and support the development of sport in Chile,” she added.
“AGR was created to demonstrate that there are operators committed to complying with rigorous standards, accepting effective oversight, and collaborating with authorities to help build a sustainable and regulated market,” Kemp said.
Guiding principles
The new organization’s activities are based on seven core principles:
- Responsible gambling and player protection, particularly for minors and vulnerable groups, through strict access restrictions.
- A modern and robust regulatory framework that eliminates informality.
- Cooperation with public institutions and participation in public policy discussions.
- Commitment to integrity, fairness, transparency, and anti-money laundering (AML) policies.
- Responsible and sustainable tax contributions.
- Responsible communications and advertising.
- Active opposition to illegal online gambling.
AGR said these principles are not “mere aspirations” but “binding commitments for all current members of the association and for any future members.”
The association also emphasized its commitment to “keeping minors away from gambling, addressing addiction risks through genuine responsible gambling safeguards, and denying money laundering the informal environment on which it thrives.”
Call for regulation
AGR argued that “international experience further underscores the importance of establishing a regulatory framework in Chile as soon as possible.” While acknowledging progress through legislative debate on Bill No. 14,838-03, the association said the country “is significantly behind other jurisdictions.”
“Recognizing that the current situation requires swift action, AGR is actively collaborating with Congress, the Executive Branch, regulatory authorities, and civil society—as a trusted technical partner—to work constructively toward creating a modern framework that guarantees market transparency, prevents underage access, protects consumers, and ensures long-term stability,” the association said.
Finally, citing data from consultancy H2 Gambling Capital, AGR estimated that Chile’s online gambling market currently generates approximately $625 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) and is projected to reach $1.445 billion by 2030.