Key Highlights
- Polla Chilena president Macarena Carvallo likened the online betting surge to “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 contributions to national sports programs drop from 18 billion to 14 billion pesos
- Carvallo highlighted growing concerns about the impact of unregulated gambling on young people
- While opposing unrestricted market expansion, the lottery has positioned itself to compete if regulations change
Chile’s government-operated lottery has sounded the alarm regarding the explosive growth of online gambling across the nation. In a striking comparison, the organization’s leadership has drawn parallels between this trend and one of the most devastating public health crises of recent times.
In a recent media appearance, Macarena Carvallo, president of Polla Chilena, characterized the proliferation of online betting as “the new fentanyl of the 21st century.” Her remarks came as Chilean policymakers grapple with the question of how to approach regulation of digital gambling operations.
Carvallo referenced developments in the United States and Brazil as warning signs for Chile. She emphasized that even nations that have implemented regulatory frameworks have encountered significant challenges.
She highlighted Brazil’s recent policy shift, where President Lula Da Silva unveiled measures to impose stricter controls on betting operators. According to Carvallo, these international experiences should prompt Chilean authorities to weigh social impact alongside revenue considerations.
These warnings coincide with troubling financial results for the state-run lottery. Polla Chilena recorded gross revenues of 120.253 billion pesos in 2025, representing an 18.34% decrease compared to the previous year’s performance.
Significant Financial Losses for State Operator
The revenue decline hit the company’s Xperto sports prediction offering particularly hard. Xperto ranks among Polla Chilena’s most profitable products, second only to its flagship Loto game.
During 2024, Xperto generated 18 billion pesos in funding for Chile’s National Sports Institute. However, that figure plummeted to approximately 14 billion pesos in 2025.
According to Carvallo, the downturn stems directly from the proliferation of unlicensed and unregulated betting operators. These platforms have successfully attracted customers away from the official state-run service.
The financial implications extend well beyond corporate revenue concerns. Polla Chilena serves as a crucial funding source for government programs supporting athletics and social welfare initiatives. Revenue reductions translate directly into diminished resources for these public services.
“The damage isn’t limited to Polla alone, but extends to all the beneficiaries who rely on these funds,” Carvallo explained, referring to the public agencies dependent on lottery-generated revenue streams.
Despite legal actions and corporate interventions, unauthorized operators continue their activities, Carvallo noted. She expressed frustration that regulatory bodies have been unable to effectively shut down these illegal platforms despite repeated attempts.
Growing Alarm Over Youth Exposure
Carvallo emphasized particular concern regarding online gambling’s effects on Chile’s younger population. She issued warnings that minors are already suffering harmful consequences from exposure to these platforms.
“We’re now witnessing emerging negative effects on children and teenagers,” she stated. While she didn’t cite specific statistics, she characterized the situation as requiring immediate attention.
Chile is not alone in confronting these challenges. Neighboring Latin American nations are engaged in similar policy discussions about managing the rapid expansion of digital gambling services.
Interestingly, despite her advocacy against unrestricted online betting growth, Carvallo revealed that Polla Chilena has made preparations for potential market liberalization. The organization has made significant investments in technological infrastructure and competitive positioning.
“Should Chile opt to liberalize and regulate its online betting sector, we stand prepared to compete effectively,” she declared.
However, she insisted that any regulatory approach must incorporate robust consumer safeguards. She advocated for comprehensive mechanisms designed to mitigate the social dangers associated with internet-based gambling activities.
Chilean legislators have yet to reach a conclusive determination on regulating online betting operations. Ongoing discussions involve government officials, industry representatives, and various stakeholders throughout the nation.
