Key Highlights
- Polla Chilena president Macarena Carvallo compared unregulated online gambling to “the new fentanyl of the 21st century”
- State lottery’s gross revenue declined 18.34% year-over-year in 2025
- Xperto sports betting platform’s contribution to national sports programs dropped from 18 billion to 14 billion pesos
- Growing concern over impact of illegal betting sites on Chilean youth
- State operator prepared to enter regulated market despite advocating for strict controls
Chile’s government-operated lottery system has sounded the alarm over the explosive growth of unregulated online gambling. The organization’s top executive drew a controversial parallel between digital betting and America’s opioid crisis.
Macarena Carvallo, president of Polla Chilena, characterized the proliferation of online gambling as “the new fentanyl of the 21st century.” Her remarks came during a media interview as Chilean policymakers grapple with how to address the expanding digital betting landscape.
Carvallo referenced developments in the United States and Brazil as warnings for Chile. She emphasized that even jurisdictions that have implemented regulatory frameworks continue to face significant challenges.
Brazil’s recent policy shift offers a telling example. President Lula Da Silva has moved to impose tighter restrictions on betting operators. Carvallo urged Chilean authorities to prioritize social welfare alongside potential tax revenue when crafting legislation.
These concerns emerge against a backdrop of financial struggle for the state lottery. Polla Chilena recorded gross revenue of 120.253 billion pesos in 2025, representing an 18.34% decrease compared to the prior year.
Dramatic Decline in Sports Betting Revenue
The company’s Xperto platform, a sports prediction product, experienced particularly severe losses. Xperto ranks as one of Polla Chilena’s most important revenue generators, second only to its traditional Loto game.
During 2024, Xperto generated 18 billion pesos for Chile’s National Sports Institute. That contribution shrank to approximately 14 billion pesos in 2025.
Carvallo attributed this downturn directly to competition from unlicensed and unregulated betting websites. These platforms are siphoning customers away from the official state operator.
The implications extend far beyond corporate earnings. Polla Chilena serves as a critical funding source for public initiatives in athletics and social welfare programs. Revenue shortfalls translate directly into reduced support for these services.
“The victims aren’t just Polla, but everyone who depends on it,” Carvallo explained, highlighting the public institutions reliant on lottery-generated funding.
According to Carvallo, legal actions and enforcement measures have proven inadequate. Despite repeated attempts, regulatory bodies have failed to effectively shut down illegal operators.
Youth Welfare Emerges as Central Issue
Carvallo expressed particular alarm about online betting’s impact on Chilean minors. She cautioned that young people are already suffering harmful effects from unrestricted access to gambling platforms.
“We are already beginning to observe negative consequences for children and adolescents,” she stated. While she didn’t cite specific statistics, Carvallo emphasized the immediacy of the threat.
This challenge mirrors trends across Latin America. Multiple countries in the region are confronting similar questions about managing the rapid expansion of digital gambling services.
Interestingly, despite her strong stance against unregulated online betting, Carvallo confirmed that Polla Chilena has made contingency preparations. The organization has invested in digital infrastructure and competitive strategies.
“If Chile decides to open its market of online betting to liberalization and regulation, we are ready to compete,” she said.
However, she emphasized that any regulatory framework must incorporate robust safeguards for citizens. She advocated for comprehensive measures addressing the social hazards associated with online gambling.
Chile remains in deliberation mode regarding online betting regulation. Ongoing discussions involve legislators, industry representatives, and civic organizations throughout the nation.
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