Alright, let’s break it down for all you high-rollers out there. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of gambling in Chile. We’re gonna chat about the legal status of online casinos and fill you in on the top sites that are open for business to Chilean players. We’ll take a walk down memory lane to uncover the country’s gambling history and spill the beans on how we pick out the cream of the crop when it comes to quality joints. Wanna know the lowdown on online casino bonuses and sports betting? We gotcha. And, of course, we won’t skip over the hottest payment methods in Chile and other games of chance like lotteries and poker.
Best Online Casinos For Chile People
Now, here’s the scoop: There’s no hard ban on playing in online casinos in Chile. But there’s also no local license handed out to these digital playgrounds.
What does that mean for Chilean players? Well, the world’s your oyster! There are a ton of international casinos to choose from, and it’s a jungle out there. Later in the piece, we’ll let you in on our secret sauce for picking out the best places. But for now, feast your eyes on our list of the top Chilean online casinos.
Gambling in Chile ain’t no new kid on the block. We’re talking way back to the mid-19th century. The first big law to hit the scene was back in 1902, the Law No. 1528. This bad boy laid down the law on horse race betting which was all going down at special racetracks. At first, the whole shebang was a state monopoly, so private companies didn’t even get a look-in.
The very first casino popped up in Viña del Mar in 1931. Here’s the kicker: for the longest time, casinos were freestyling, with no federal regulations in place. So, towns and cities were calling the shots and setting their own rules. This led to a patchwork of laws across provinces. So, in the first half of the 20th century, seven local permits were issued for casinos in cities like Arica, Iquique, Coquimbo, Viña del Mar, Pucón, Puerto Varas, and Puerto Natales.
Then came Law 19,995, and the casino scene exploded to 24 joints. Interestingly, the full-fledged legal framework for land-based casinos was only hammered out in 2005. That’s when the special Casino Law dropped, laying out the rules of the game and giving the green light to land-based operations. As for lotteries, the first comprehensive law rolled out in 1986, putting lotteries under state control. Later, this law was beefed up, handing over sports betting to the state too.
2008 was the year for online lotteries. According to the new rules, only two state-run companies, La Lotería de Concepción and Polla Chilena, could sell tickets online. They also got the go-ahead to roll out instant lotteries (you know, scratch cards) and take sports bets online. Another big player in the game is Law No. 20,856, which dropped in 2015. This set up the Chilean Casino Gaming Board (SCJ), the big dogs overseeing land-based operations and dishing out the licenses.
As for online casinos, right now, they’re a no-go in Chile. In 2021, the big wigs in government chatted about giving them the green light, but so far, nada. Still, in the next couple of years, we might see things shake up a bit since the government’s clocked onto the perks of legalizing these online joints. But don’t sweat it, Chilean gamblers can still hit up foreign online casinos; playing there’s not off-limits.
Legality and regulation of gambling
Currently, in Chile, pretty much all betting games are on the up-and-up. The straight dope on regulated gambling looks like this:
Brick and mortar casinos and poker rooms – Chile’s got around 24 of these bad boys, plus a few standalone poker rooms.
Traditional lotteries and sports betting – that’s the state’s turf.
Online sports betting and lotteries – again, the government’s bag, with the likes of La Lotería de Concepción and Polla Chilena running the show.
Aside from that, there’s a slew of foreign joints offering their goodies online. There’s no specific law book detailing their do’s and don’ts. So, they’re technically in the “gray zone”, but rolling the dice there isn’t illegal.
Online casinos – no local joints to speak of, but offshore casinos are fair game.
Online poker – totally wild west in Chile, loads of foreign poker rooms are welcoming Chilean players with open arms.
Choosing the best online casinos in Chile
For this chunk of the article, we wanna break down the ABCs of choosing an online casino. First off, scope out if the joint’s got the right license and take a gander at player reviews. Next up, peep the bonus scene and available payment methods. And don’t sleep on checking out their customer service vibes and how mobile-friendly their site is.
Legality and Safety
Since online casinos don’t really fall under Chilean laws, there’s no specific local license for them. So, for the Chilean crew, the play is mostly with offshore casinos, licensed internationally. The big players in the licensing game are MGA and Curacao.
User Feedback
Digging into player reviews is a quick way to suss out if a casino’s solid or sketchy. We’re all about this, especially when it comes to how often players get in a jam and if the casino’s eager to square things away. You can get the lowdown from online casino reviews and some dedicated sites. The big guns for this are the local site onlinecasino.cl and the globally known askgamblers.com/online-casinos/countries/cl.
Bonuses & Promotions
For Chilean players, there’s no holding back when it comes to bonus action. You can totally count on scoring welcome bonuses, which most casinos offer, as well as their regular bonus lineup. We’ll dish the details on the types of bonuses in the section below.
Payment Systems
Another biggie? Checking out the deposit methods before you sign up. Get familiar with the available payment options. This gives you the low-down on how to load up your account and what to expect when cashing out.
Customer Service
A top-notch online casino is all about that 24/7 customer support. And it ain’t just about email – they’ve usually got a live chat feature right on the site. Bonus points if they can chit-chat with players in both English and Spanish.
Mobile Adaptation
If you’re looking to roll the dice from your smartphone or tablet, make sure you check out how well the site vibes with mobile devices. The best online joints have a slick mobile interface, which includes not just game adaptations, but also smooth panels for deposits and withdrawals.
Bonuses and promotions for Chile players
As promised, in this section, we’ll break down the types of bonuses up for grabs in online casinos. First thing that greets a player post-sign-up is the welcome bonus. Once you’ve blown through that, there’s the regular bonus lineup waiting for you, which can range from deposit bonuses, various incentives, and even a points system. Also on the menu? Races and tournaments hosted by the casino or its providers. Let’s dive into some real-deal examples.
Welcome Bonus
Right after signing up, every player can snag a welcome bonus. Typically, it’s a mix of a boost to your deposit and a bunch of free spins. But, here’s the kicker – the best online casinos in Chile don’t just give a one-off deal, they roll out a whole welcome package with bonuses for your first few deposits.
Regular Player Bonuses
Most online casinos keep the ball rolling with a range of reload bonuses and some sweet cashback deals at specific times. Not only do you get a bonus bump after you’ve used up the welcome package, but you can also expect some cash back just for playing your favorite games. For instance, at SpinBetter Casino, here’s what’s on tap:
Reload Bonus: Every Wednesday, you can score a 50% bonus on your deposit and 50 free spins.
Birthday Bonus: Within 7 days of your b-day, you get 20 free spins daily.
Loyalty’s Worth its Weight in Gold: On your tenth deposit, you can bag a special 50% bonus and up to 100 free spins.
VIP Cashback: The higher you climb the VIP ladder, the fatter the cashback you pocket.
Races and Tournaments
Another ace up the sleeve for bonus deals is the races and tournaments. Any player who’s signed up can jump in the mix. After you register for a tourney, you’ve got to play the listed games and rack up those tournament points. The more points you score, the higher up the ladder you go and the juicier the prizes get. Right now, FairSpin Casino is rolling out these tournaments:
FairCon: League of TFS – A weekly showdown by Fairspin with a cool prize pot of $10,000 where all casino games are fair game.
Friday Funday – A blast hosted by Playson, with a whopping €30,000 up for grabs.
Spinning Monday – Yet another gig by Playson with a prize pot of €30,000 on the line.
Sports betting in Chile
Down in Chile, the only bookies above board are those that roll with state-run companies. One to shout out is Xperto, flying under the flag of the state company Polla Chilena. But there ain’t any hard and fast rule stopping folks from trying their luck with foreign bookies. As a result, there are tons of big fish offshore. Names that stand out include Coolbet, Stake, Betsson, Melbet, Parimatch, and a whole lot more.
Let’s also tip our hat to the sheer love for sports in Chile. Given the high team spirit vibes among Chileans, team sports are where it’s at. Loads of peeps in Chile play, and even more tune in to watch. So, we thought we’d drop a quick list of the hottest sports in Chile:
Football – No shocker here, football tops the popularity charts. Introduced to Chile by English sailors in the 19th century, it’s been kicking ever since. The Chile Football Federation was established in 1895, pushing the sport forward in the country. Chile boasts both women’s and men’s national teams, and they sure can hold their own in the Latin American arena.
Baseball – This sport found its way to Chile in the early 20th century. It was initially the go-to game for American expats, and soon after, locals, especially in the northern parts, caught the bug. Various local and regional championships keep the excitement alive, and the national team often steps up to the plate in South American and world championships, bringing home some shiny bling.
Cricket – Officially, cricket landed in Chile in 1829, brought by English sailors. One of the OG clubs in Chile is the Valparaiso Cricket Club, founded in 1860. It seems Chileans took a fancy to it, as it steadily gained momentum.
Volleyball – A staple for many South American nations. Beach volleyball especially is the toast of the town, with loads of Chileans diving in regularly. The National Volleyball Association was established in 1942, overseeing many major championships.
Chilean Rodeo – This is Chile’s national sport, massive in the south and central regions. The sport’s been around for over 400 years, but only got its official status in ’62. The whole gig is about cornering a bull into a specific zone and then tipping it over. Two riders do the deed, usually riding these specific breed horses called “Chilienes”. Every year, they have this big showdown at the Medialuna Monumental de Rancagua arena.
Convenient payment systems
When it comes to loading up their online casino or sportsbook account, lots of Chileans traditionally go old-school with bank methods. But there’s also a bunch of alternate ways gaining traction like e-wallets, e-commerce services, and prepaid cards. One of the rising stars in the game is cryptocurrency. The draw? Easy buying, super-fast transactions, and those sweet low fees. We scoped out Chile’s top payment methods and here’s the rundown:
VISA/MasterCard
The big three: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro. Most folks have them, and topping up is a breeze. Pop in your bank details and you’re gaming in minutes. Cashing out, though, might have you waiting anywhere from 15 minutes to a few days, depending on your bank.
Redcompra
Big name in Chile, courtesy of the mega-bank Transbank. You can shop online or fuel your gaming passion even if you don’t have a bank card. You can either rock a special prepaid card or use the OnePay mobile app. Super handy and not heavy on fees, but the bummer is that not all offshore casinos take it.
E-Wallets
A slick solution ditching many bank card hassles. Quick sign-up with services like Skrill, Neteller, and MuchBetter, and you’re ready to rock. Top up your e-wallet and shoot money anywhere, including straight to online casinos.
E-commerce/Bank Services
Tools like EcoPayz and Trustly let you use your bank account for casino deposits, simplifying and speeding up transactions. And speed is the name of the game for most punters.
Cryptocurrencies
Like I mentioned earlier, cryptos have a ton of perks: accessibility, super-speedy transactions (especially compared to bank transfers), and relatively low fees. As a result, more and more Chileans, especially the younger crowd, are diving into this method for their online casino top-ups.
NOTIFY As of now, Chile’s got nada in the way of concrete crypto laws. But the Central Bank of Chile has chimed in a few times about crypto’s status in the hood. The gist? Cryptos aren’t seen as legit money or foreign currency.
That being said, this vibe is pretty common across the globe. But if we’re talking Chile’s government’s mood, it’s mostly chill. They’ve said multiple times they ain’t planning on throwing a wrench in the works for the crypto scene. So, you’re golden to snag some crypto for whatever floats your boat.
Popular gambling providers in Chile
Let’s dish about the top-tier game providers in Chile. Chileans are all about that crisp graphics and a smorgasbord of gaming options. So, the big dogs in the market are the ones who’ve built that kind of rep. Here’s a quick hit-list of the fan faves:
Pragmatic Play
A fresh face in the scene that’s made waves in no time. Killer graphics and a bunch of gaming mechanics have put them on the map.
Play’N’Go
These Swedish maestros have been at it since the last millennium. Over the years, they’ve dropped a ton of themed games. Their collabs with big names are all the rage in Chile.
Spinomenal
Known for their distinct design, they’ve got a heap of slots to their name. They’ve got some big-hit series, and they’re not shy about churning out the sequels. No wonder they’re smashing the popularity charts.
NetEnt
Another Swedish giant, kicking it since around the same time as Play’N’Go. They’re packin’ pretty much every type of online gambling game you can think of. They’ve got a soft spot for jackpot mechanics, like with their banger, Divine Fortune. They’re throwing around some mega bucks in those games, and that’s why Chileans are vibing with them.
Evolution Gaming
The big kahuna of live dealer games. Their arsenal’s not just your basic table/card games but also rad spins like Lighting Blackjack or Lighting Roulette. And let’s not forget their epic game shows, with hits like C r a z y Time or Mega Ball, which are straight fire in the community.
Land-based casinos in Chile
The brick-and-mortar casino scene in Chile has been around for a hot minute, though they only got their act together with some legit regulation in 2005. Right now, by the books, Chile’s allowed to have up to 24 casinos up and running. But thanks to the COVID-19 sucker punch, only about 15 are still in the game. You’ll find these bad boys scattered across 16 regions in the country.
The casino biz is kept in check by the big wigs at Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego (SCJ). They’re the ones calling the shots, making sure everyone’s playing by the rules and handing out licenses to the ground operators. Let’s shine a spotlight on a couple of the big players.
Sun Monticello Casino and Hotel – The heavyweight champ of Chilean casinos, based out in San Francisco de Mostazal, O’Higgins region. This joint’s the place to be in Chile, boasting over 10,000 reviews online.
Their game stash is straight fire, giving even the Vegas and Macao big leagues a run for their money. They’re flaunting over 1,800 gaming machines from all kinds of devs (slots, video poker, electronic roulette, and the works), plus more than 80 game tables (roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, punto banco). And if you’re feeling fancy, they’ve got a swanky hotel, some bomb eateries, spa centers, and a whole lot more.
Enjoy Viña del Mar Casino & Resort – The runner-up in size, nestled in Viña del Mar, Valparaiso province. Spanning a whopping 6,000 square meters, this joint’s not just about gambling – they’ve got a posh hotel that’s decked out with all the bells and whistles.
Their game collection is a tad more low-key compared to Sun Monticello but still packs a punch. They’re rocking around 1,500 gaming machines and about 90 tables for all your card and table game kicks (roulette, various poker games, blackjack, craps). They’ve even got a special bingo hall for those who wanna mix things up.
Lotteries and other gambling entertainment in Chile
Now, another big deal in Chile is the lottery. Technically, private companies can run these gig, but the heavy-hitters like La Lotería de Concepción and Polla Chilena are government-backed. Let’s dive deep into a couple of Chile’s top lottery games.
Loto Clásico – The crown jewel run by Polla Chilena. A ticket sets you back 1,000 Chilean pesos. Draws go down three times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 9 PM local time. Wanna join the fun? Pick 6 numbers from 1 to 41, or just let their quick-pick do the job. You can even go all out and select up to 10 numbers on a ticket, boosting your odds. Sure, it bumps up the ticket price, but who doesn’t like living on the edge a bit?
After snagging a main lottery ticket, you can throw down some extra cheddar and jump into 5 side gigs: “Recargado”, “Revancha”, “Desquite”, “Jubilazo”, and “Multiplicar”. Playing these side hustles will set you back anywhere from 200 to 500 pesos. The main game’s starting jackpot? A cool 250 mil CLP. The jackpot’s on the up and up, rolling over to the next draw with no cap if no one hits the big one.
The motherlode jackpots were:
Feb 5, 2019 – a whopping 10.3 billion pesos
Aug 11, 2011 – a fat 8.5 billion pesos
There are 8 prize tiers in total. The more your numbers are on point, the bigger the payday.
Prize Category
Required matches
Chances of a fallout
1
6
1 : 4 496 388
2
5 + bonus ball
1 : 149 398
3
5
1 : 22 041
4
4 + bonus ball
1 : 8816
5
4
1 : 534
6
3 + bonus ball
1 : 401
7
3
1 : 38
8
2 + bonus ball
1 : 50
Racha – Another Chilean fave run by Polla Chilena. Draws go down twice a day at 3 PM and 9 PM local time. Tickets cost between 300 to 500 CLP, depending on your game plan. After copping a ticket, you gotta pick 10 numbers between 10 to 20. You’ve got two ways to play this game:
Match 10 – You cash in if you match between 7 to 10 of your numbers
0 Hits – You win if you match a measly 0 to 3 numbers
Each play style costs 300 CLP on its own, but if you’re feeling lucky and go for both, you’ll drop 500 CLP. The jackpot’s a solid 6 million CLP and ain’t the kind to grow. If no one scores it, there ain’t no trickle-down.
Depending on how you roll, the number of matches varies. There are 4 prize categories in total.
Prize Category
Required matches
Chances of a fallout
1
10 or 0
1 : 184 756
2
9 or 1
1 : 1848
3
8 or 2
1 : 91
4
7 or 3
1 : 13
Don’t sleep on another hot game in Chile – we’re talking poker, both offline and online. If you’re itching for some face-to-face action, hit up any Chilean casino on the ground. They got cash games and regular tourneys, including the big leagues like the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT).
There ain’t no roadblocks if online poker’s more your jam. Even though there’s no official license in play, the government doesn’t sweat foreign poker rooms. So, big names like PokerStars, 888poker, Partypoker, Vbet, and a bunch more are open for business for Chilean players.
Reliability and safety of online casinos in Chile
Given there ain’t no local online casino licenses in the mix, Chilean players have got no choice but to roll the dice at big-shot international joints. This, of course, begs the question: “Is my cash safe, and is the game legit?” All good – as long as you’re vibing with the heavy hitters operating under legit international licenses like Curacao or MGA, you’re golden.
These gaming commissions keep their peeps in check, making sure no shady business goes down. And if by some fluke, you get played, you can always hit up the commission with an email, airing out your grievances.
Conclusion
When we talk regs, the gambling scene in Chile is kinda fresh. A lot of the gambling action only got fully regulated towards the tail end of the 20th century and into the 21st. But hey, the core gambling hustle has been alive and kickin’ in the country for over a century. As a result, the variety and quality of the game in Chile? Top-notch. As of now, you can get your fix at brick-and-mortar casinos, lotteries, or even throw down some bets on sports. For those diggin’ online casinos and online poker, you gotta ride with foreign operators. But honestly, it ain’t no biggie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online casinos legal in Chile?
At the moment, online casinos do not have any legal status in Chile. This legislation is at the stage of discussion. But there is no ban on playing in offshore establishments.
Are there any land-based casinos in Chile?
There are about 15 land-based casinos in Chile, located in 11 different provinces. Some of them are quite large establishments offering a variety of services.
Is sports betting legal in Chile?
Officially, sports betting is only legal if it is conducted by the state-owned company Polla Chilena. However, there is no ban on playing in offshore betting shops.
Are there lotteries in Chile?
Lotteries are a legal form of gambling. The largest ones are conducted by 2 state-owned companies: La Lotería de Concepción and Polla Chilena.
Is it possible to play poker in Chile?
Offline poker is available at any land-based casino in Chile. Online poker is not regulated or banned, so you can play in any poker room that accepts players from Chile.
24.01.2022 | Date updated: 17 July 2024
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