Chile cannot afford to wait for gambling reform, says President of Asociación Chilena de Casinos de Juego
Since taking the reins of the ACCJ in Chile 2022, Cecilia Valdés has become one of the most persistent advocates for legal, transparent, and responsible gaming in a country where unlicensed online gambling has outpaced regulation.
In an exclusive interview with SiGMA, Valdés, a historian and journalist by profession and a former triathlete, was forthright about both the successes and the urgent challenges facing the sector. She leads the ACCJ, which represents Chile’s principal land-based casino operators, and is emphatic that legal gambling isn’t merely about entertainment but it’s a public policy tool for economic development.
“The legal sector contributed over 95 billion pesos in taxes last year and generated thousands of formal jobs,” she told us. “Yet we often feel the state underestimates this impact, especially when debates centre on prohibition or moral judgment rather than evidence-based policy.”
Valdés takes issue with how public discourse often conflates legitimate casinos with the booming, yet unregulated, online market. “There’s a disconnect between perception and reality,” she said. “Surveys reflect concern about gambling, but they rarely differentiate between regulated casinos and illegal platforms. Public policies should be grounded in data, not fear.”
Yet this vision is increasingly under threat. Despite their legal mandate, she notes, land-based casinos in Chile often face public perception shaped by outdated stereotypes. In contrast, their real contributions go far beyond slots and table games. “Casinos were created to stimulate regional economic development and tourism. They’ve delivered: hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more.”
The rise of digital platforms has outpaced legislation, leaving Chile’s regulatory framework in disarray. “The legislation process does not move at the pace of technological changes,” Valdés warned. “We’ve been pushing for a unified legal framework for years and progress has been far too slow.”
Central to this legislative delay is a bill currently being debated in Chile’s Senate. aimed at legalising and regulating online gambling. Valdés is candid about the frustrations: “I used to think it was going faster. The bill was in the same stage in March 2024 as it was a year ago. That’s unacceptable.”
Things will change in Chile
She remains hopeful, however, that 2025 will finally bring clarity. “We’ve spoken with senators and authorities. Everyone agrees we need this law. Online platforms are already operating in Chile. People are playing. It’s a reality we cannot ignore.”
Valdés argues that integrating online gambling into a regulated framework is not just a win for government revenues, but a necessary step to protect players. “These platforms are not paying taxes. We don’t know their employment practices. If we regulate them, we create a safer, more equitable market.” Responsible gambling remains a cornerstone of her agenda. “Gambling is entertainment, that’s our message, but it must be responsible. We promote player education, self-exclusion programmes, and enforce strict compliance.”
The ACCJ also partners with local governments and law enforcement in a broader crackdown on illegal gambling. “This isn’t just about business competition,” she emphasised. “It affects the whole country. Illegal venues don’t pay taxes, they’re unsafe, and in many cases children are gambling there.”
In her view, the government must act with more urgency. “Unregulated markets create uncertainty. What kills an industry is not regulation, but the lack of clear rules. Chile needs better tools, stronger governance, and a long-term vision for a sustainable gaming industry.”
The industry’s ties to tourism further underline its macroeconomic relevance. “Casinos in Chile are closely linked to tourism,” Valdés explained. “When tourism is strong, so is the gaming sector. Last year was good for tourism, and we saw some recovery, but illegal gaming continues to hurt us.”
While Valdés remains diplomatic, it’s clear that her patience is wearing thin. The ACCJ has done its part: pushing for modern regulation, improving compliance, engaging with communities, and advocating for responsible play. Now, she says, it’s up to the state to meet the moment. “Good regulation doesn’t mean more bureaucracy. It means better technology, clear rules, and a level playing field,” she stressed. “We must not let this opportunity slip by. The platforms are here. The players are here. The time to act is now.”
Valdés believes that with the right legal framework in place, one that includes both land-based and online operations, Chile can build a thriving, responsible, and globally competitive gaming sector. Her closing words carry both a warning and a vision: “This is not just about casinos. It’s about trust, governance, and Chile’s capacity to adapt to the future.”
