Most Popular Bookies in Chile

One reason why online sports betting is popular in Chile is the fact that bettors don't need to visit a physical betting joint. With a smartphone or tablet, they can log in and place a bet from wherever they are. Isn't that super convenient?

But there are other reasons why sports betting is such popular in Chile. The number of sports one can bet on online is big. From football, tennis, and horse racing to basketball and everything in between, punters are always spoiled for choice. And most sportsbooks offer bonuses to Chileans, wow!

While there are landbased sportsbooks in Chile, the internet has become a real threat to these gambling establishments. With online sports betting now booming, it may just be a matter of time before Polla Chilena closes down its premises (hopefully, that will not happen).

As explained earlier, online sports betting comes with a package of benefits, including convenience, bonuses, and a wide range of games to choose from. Indeed, no Chilean punter would overlook these perks. Yes, there are no licensed online betting sites in Chile, but the number of offshore bookmakers accepting Chileans is overwhelming.

It is worth mentioning again that the legality of online sports betting in Chile is not clearly defined, and the Chilean government does not prohibit it outright. Those found betting online are not subject to any penalties ether. Rather than pursue outright prohibition, the government seems to focus on regulating the industry.

In fact, several proposals to license locally-owned Chilean betting sites have been put forth, so punters would be keeping their fingers crossed for a substantive outcome. Meanwhile, Chileans are free to visit Chilean-friendly offshore sportsbooks and bet on the games they want. There haven't been any efforts by the government to block these sites from operating in the country.

While the Chilean government does not firmly enforce the ban on online gambling, the fact remains that online casinos are not allowed in Chile. As of 2022, there is no regulatory framework; hence, there is no online casino operating legally in Chile. However, the ban does not apply to international offshore casino sites, and that's why many big operators allow Chileans to play.

There is nothing like a tax on winnings, so Chilean players have every obstacle clear for them to sign up to these casino sites and play the games they want. And with so many options to choose from, players should have no problem finding a casino online. But before that, thorough research is needed before signing up. It should not be forgotten that gambling is still illegal in Chile, so players will be gambling at their own risk.

Choosing an offshore bookmaker

One of the fundamental aspects to consider when choosing the best online casino in Chile is legality. The casinos are not locally owned or licensed, so Chileans will want to verify that these casinos are legal in their own jurisdictions. To verify the legality of any online casinos, players must check their international license seals. Most Chilean online casinos have approval seals from Malta and Curacao authorities.

At the bottom of each casino website, players can view the casino affiliations, certifications, and awards. Clicking on the provided information would typically take one to the website of the organization that gave the seal of approval. Other important aspects to consider include payment methods, customer support, and bonuses.

Law Number 19.995 (Ley Num. 19.995) was enacted in 2005 and is responsible for most of the country's betting laws. This law allows brick-and-mortar betting establishments in Chile and creates the licensing framework under which they operate.

It provides that a maximum of 24 gaming establishments may be awarded operating licenses inside Chile. In its own words, the body is responsible for the authorization, administration, and supervision of physical betting premises. It gives the state the right to authorize or deny bookmakers in the country.

Ley Num. 19.995 also created the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego (SCJ) to oversee the betting industry and issue licenses to bookmakers. Under this law, the SCJ basically functions as the gambling commission of Chile. This is the licensing agency and final adjudicator of all things pertaining to gambling in Chile, which is the final arbiter of all forms of gambling. On top of Law Number 19.995, the Chilean betting industry is subject to a variety of decrees (e.g. Decree No. 547) emanating from the Ministry of Finance for additional regulation of the industry.

Like other betting sites, Chilean betting sites prioritize reliable and trustworthy payment systems. The sites understand that no Chilean punter in their right mind would choose to deposit or withdraw funds with a payment method whose reputation is questionable. As a result, the sites choose payment processors wisely, knowing that this can be a deal make or breaker. For instance, the bulk of Chilean betting sites allows punters to use credit and debit cards, with VISA and Mastercard being the most used cards. These cards have stood the test of time, and they are globally accepted.

In addition to debit and credit cards, online payment systems, such as e-wallets are also available at Chilean betting sites. Neteller, PayPal, and Skrill are some of the most popular e-wallets, and they are widely used in the country. First of all, e-wallets are fast.

Of course, the best payment method for punters is one that supports instant payments since a punter may want to deposit money into their betting account and place a bet within a few minutes to kick-off. If funds do not reflect in their account immediately after completing the transaction, the punter may miss out on that bet. In terms of security, e-wallets shine even brighter.