The process of updating Chile’s gambling legislation has resumed as the Senate and Congress collaborate on finalising Ley №035/2022, which was initially introduced in March 2022 to address the regulation of online gambling.
Previously, legislators had reached consensus on key aspects such as a licensing framework, the definition of online gambling, and the proposal for a 20% tax on gross income. However, progress was hindered last year when the bill stalled in the Senate Economy Committee, awaiting submissions from other governmental departments regarding legal definitions, technical requirements, and penalties.
The Supreme Court upheld a legal challenge from existing monopoly operators who sought to compel authorities to treat online gambling as illegal until the new legislation is enacted, resulting in the blocking of access to gambling sites.
The Supreme Court also ordered that the forthcoming legislation incorporate a 12-month cooling-off period for operators previously involved in the grey market.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania has announced its intention to propose legislative changes aimed at imposing stricter regulations on gambling operators. Vilija Petronienė, a senior adviser at the ministry’s Financial Markets Policy Department, outlined that these amendments would require the implementation of additional responsible gambling measures, including heightened monitoring of individuals who lose significant sums.
Petronienė specified that these amendments would also expand the supervisory authority’s oversight capabilities over the national gambling landscape. Speaking before the parliamentary Anti-Corruption Commission, Petronienė disclosed that the draft amendment to the Gaming Law would be presented to the government within the upcoming weeks. Following governmental approval, the amendments will be submitted for parliamentary consideration during the spring session.
Concurrently, several Members of Parliament have put forth proposals to reinforce advertising restrictions starting in 2025. Approximately 50 MPs, predominantly from the ruling Homeland Union party, have advocated for a prohibition on gambling sponsorship of public events and activities.
Under these proposed amendments, gambling brands’ names or logos would be prohibited from being displayed at sports venues or on athletes’ clothing.
Earlier, Cyprus introduced the National Self-Exclusion Platform as part of its Safer Gambling Strategy 2022-2025.
