Chile’s Polla Labels Online Gambling “Fentanyl of the 21st Century”

Chile.– April 9, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Polla Chilena de Beneficencia warned about the impact of unregulated online gambling, describing it as “the new fentanyl of the 21st century”, amid declining revenues and growing concerns over social effects.

Overview

The debate over online gambling regulation in Chile has intensified following statements from the head of Polla Chilena, who compared the rise of digital betting to the societal impact of fentanyl.

This statement reflects institutional concern over the expansion of unregulated platforms and their influence on both the market and users, particularly vulnerable groups.

Details / Context

Financial data shows that the state-run operator reported revenues of CLP 120.253 billion in 2025, marking a drop of around 18% compared to the previous year.

One of the most affected products was Xperto, its sports prediction game, which significantly reduced its contribution to Chile’s National Sports Institute (IND), directly impacting sports funding.

The organisation attributes this decline to the growth of illegal online gambling, which operates outside regulatory control and competes directly with state-backed offerings.

Key Topics

Economic impact

The revenue drop affects not only the company but also funding for social and sports programmes, highlighting Polla’s structural role in the public ecosystem.

Social risk

The fentanyl comparison aims to underline the addictive potential of unregulated online gambling and its penetration into society, particularly among younger audiences.

Regulatory debate

The rise of these platforms is increasing pressure on the Chilean government to implement a regulatory framework to control the market and mitigate risks.

Future outlook

Chile faces a key challenge: balancing online gambling regulation with user protection and the sustainability of its state-run system.

As the digital market continues to expand, integrity, control and social responsibility will be decisive in shaping the sector’s future.

🔗 Editó: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com