BGC Enters Cooperation Agreement with Chile’s 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), as part of ongoing efforts to support the development of a sustainable and well-regulated online gambling market in Chile.

The agreement brings together the BGC, which represents around 90% of the UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry, and aPAL, a group of international online betting operators that have been working since 2022, to support the introduction of modern gambling regulation in Chile.

While online gambling is currently not prohibited but also unregulated, Chile already has a land-based casino sector, horseracing and a lottery duopoly, and a draft bill to regulate online operators has been under discussion for several years. Following recent elections, a new Chilean Government is now in a position to advance with the legislation, potentially introducing a licensing regime as early as 2027.

Under the Cooperation Agreement, the two organisations will work together to share international experience and evidence, strengthen the knowledge base around gambling regulation, and engage constructively with policymakers and stakeholders on the development of a sustainable licensing framework in Chile.

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.”

The Cooperation Agreement will initially run for one year and forms part of the BGC International Committee’s ongoing programme of engagement with global partners.

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