Despite the fact that in Chile casino operators are prohibited by law from exploiting online gaming, the main players in the industry consider it as an alternative to add new resources while recovering pre-COVID-19 revenues, something that could be extended for a period of 12 to 18 months depending on the numbers handled by the industry.
The SCJ maintains that a decision has not yet been made on the subject, noting that “in order to legislate on a new activity, such as online gambling, it is first necessary to have a complete understanding of the subject, so that its regulation and supervision are effective and allow its adaptation to the evident technological changes that could affect the way of exploitation.”
“For this, a balance must be sought between their economic development, as well as their sustainable development, through which the trust of the players is honored and ensured, minors are protected with respect to their confrontation with the game, as well as the interests of the State related to the payment of taxes, efficiently implement policies to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, among other permanent values that must be safeguarded and guaranteed,” explains the entity.
Although the Executive had been analyzing the issue since before the pandemic, a consensus has not yet been reached on whether to address it only for the casino industry or at a general level, as online gaming is much broader than just roulette, betting and virtual games. That is why, an idea that is analyzed is to review online gaming globally, beyond casinos.
A few months ago the industry submitted to the regulator a document detailing the differences between the concept of online gambling and remote participation in the game of chance that takes place in the casino. What is proposed is a remote gaming system, that is, that the bettor can participate in a game that is being developed within the casino. In this regard, it was stated that "there is no greater difficulty in modifying the catalog of games prepared by the SCJ", which establishes the obligation of the player to always be physically present during the play.
Source: GMB / La Tercera (Chile)
