Key Highlights
- Polla Chilena president Macarena Carvallo described online betting as “the new fentanyl of the 21st century”
- The state lottery’s gross revenue declined 18.34% in 2025 versus the prior year
- Xperto sports betting platform saw its contribution to national sports programs drop from 18 billion to 14 billion pesos
- Carvallo expressed alarm about the impact of unregulated gambling on Chilean youth
- The state operator maintains readiness to compete should Chile decide to regulate the online market
Chile’s government-operated lottery has delivered a severe warning regarding the explosion of digital gambling across the nation. The organization’s leader drew parallels between this trend and a devastating public health emergency.
Macarena Carvallo, president of Polla Chilena, characterized online gambling as “the new fentanyl of the 21st century” during a recent media appearance. Her remarks came as Chilean lawmakers continue deliberating the future of online betting regulation.
Carvallo referenced the United States and Brazil as warning examples for legislators to examine. She emphasized that even nations with established regulatory frameworks have struggled with significant challenges.
Brazilian President Lula Da Silva recently unveiled initiatives to impose tighter controls on betting operations. Carvallo highlighted these developments to encourage Chilean authorities to prioritize social welfare over purely economic considerations.
These discussions coincide with challenging financial results for the state lottery. Polla Chilena recorded total revenue of 120.253 billion pesos in 2025, representing an 18.34% decrease compared to the previous year.
Declining Revenues Impact Public Programs
The Xperto sports prediction service experienced particularly severe losses. Xperto ranks among Polla Chilena’s most profitable offerings, trailing only the flagship Loto product.
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 to the proliferation of unlicensed and unregulated gambling websites. These unauthorized platforms are siphoning customers away from the official state operation.
The revenue losses extend far beyond corporate earnings. Polla Chilena serves as a funding source for public initiatives in athletics and community services. Declining revenues translate directly into reduced program budgets.
“Those harmed are not only Polla, but also those who benefit from it,” Carvallo stated, highlighting the public institutions dependent on lottery-derived funding.
Legal proceedings and corporate interventions have proven insufficient to halt illegal operators, Carvallo noted. She criticized regulatory bodies for their inability to effectively shut down unauthorized platforms.
Youth Welfare Emerges as Central Issue
Carvallo expressed particular alarm about how online gambling affects minors. She cautioned that young Chileans are already suffering harmful effects.
“We are already beginning to observe negative consequences for children and adolescents,” she declared, though specific statistics were not disclosed.
This concern resonates throughout Latin America. Multiple countries in the region are wrestling with similar questions about managing the rapid expansion of digital gambling services.
Notwithstanding her criticism of online betting expansion, Carvallo confirmed that Polla Chilena has developed contingency plans for potential market liberalization. The organization has made strategic investments in digital infrastructure and competitive positioning.
“If Chile decides to open its market of online betting to liberalization and regulation, we are ready to compete,” she stated.
However, Carvallo emphasized that any regulatory framework must incorporate robust consumer safeguards. She advocated for comprehensive measures addressing the social hazards associated with digital gambling.
Chile has yet to reach a final determination on regulating online betting services. The ongoing discussion involves legislators, industry participants, and civic organizations throughout the nation.
