Chile’s land-based casino revenue declines in real terms as online regulation remains stalled

Chile’s land-based casino sector recorded a decline in real revenue during the first quarter of 2025, as ongoing delays in online gambling regulation continue to cast uncertainty over the broader gaming industry.

According to figures released by the Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ), the country’s 25 licensed land-based casinos reported combined gross revenues of CLP145.19 billion ($154.3 million) for the quarter. Although this represents a nominal year-on-year increase of 1%, revenue fell by 3.7% in real terms once inflation and other economic factors were accounted for.

The quarter saw approximately 1.8 million visits to casinos, down 3.7% compared to the same period in 2024. The average spend per visitor was CLP80,079 ($85.31). Tax contributions from the sector also declined, totaling CLP51.96 billion ($55 million) in Q1, a 3.4% decrease in real terms.

Of the total tax revenue, CLP22.37 billion ($24 million) came from the specific gaming tax, which is evenly divided between regional governments and municipalities to fund local development initiatives. A further CLP21.6 billion ($23 million) was collected in value-added tax, along with CLP8 million ($8,522) from entrance fees. Both these latter contributions go to Chile’s general government funds.

The land-based casino sector continues to serve as a vital engine for the gambling sector, particularly in light of stalled efforts to regulate online gaming. The iGaming legislation, which aims to establish a legal framework for digital betting and casino platforms, remains stuck in the Senate.

Amid this legislative uncertainty, land-based casinos have maintained a central role in Chile’s gaming sector. Cecilia Valdés, President of the Asociación Chilena de Casinos y Juego, highlighted the sector’s importance to regional economies, noting that licensed casinos contribute approximately CLP195 billion ($21 million) in taxes annually and sustain over 8,000 direct jobs.