Chile: aPAL Challenges Scope of Chile’s Latest Online Betting Blocks
Chile.- 24 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Chilean Association of Online Betting Platforms, aPAL, has expressed concern over the expanding scope of Chile’s website-blocking procedure.
Its response follows a new order from telecommunications regulator SUBTEL requiring 37 additional domains, subdomains and mirror sites to be blocked through the Domain Name System, DNS.
37 New Addresses
The instruction was issued to six internet service providers:
- Entel.
- Movistar.
- Claro.
- GTD.
- WOM.
- VTR.
Each provider has up to 48 hours from notification to implement the restrictions.
What aPAL Is Challenging
The association argues that some newly included domains may not be expressly covered by the original Supreme Court ruling or the subsequent Santiago Court of Appeals resolution.
Its objection therefore focuses on the legal scope of the enforcement process.
Limits of Court Decisions
aPAL argues that respecting judicial decisions also requires strict adherence to their limits.
In its view, administrative measures used to implement a ruling should not extend beyond what the courts themselves ordered.
SUBTEL’s Position
SUBTEL takes a different view.
The regulator says it is acting under a procedure established and coordinated by the Santiago Court of Appeals.
SCJ Validation
Before a domain can be added to the blocking list, it must be reviewed by Chile’s Superintendence of Casinos, SCJ.
The regulator verifies whether the address is genuinely associated with an unauthorised online betting or gambling service.
Continuing Procedure
According to SUBTEL, the framework is designed to operate on an ongoing basis.
It can incorporate:
- New domains.
- Subdomains.
- Redirects.
- Mirror sites.
This is intended to address operators moving to alternative addresses after previous blocks.
Lotería de Concepción
The judicial process originated from legal action involving Lotería de Concepción.
The organisation challenged access to online betting platforms that do not hold express authorisation under Chile’s existing gambling framework.
Identifying New Sites
Under the process, Lotería de Concepción or another recognised supporting party can submit additional domains to the SCJ.
The Superintendence then reviews the information before SUBTEL sends technical instructions to internet providers.
DNS Blocking
The Santiago Court of Appeals selected DNS blocking as the technical mechanism for implementing the judgment.
SUBTEL says this method provides a comparatively high degree of specificity.
Reducing Overblocking
One reason for selecting DNS is to lower the risk of restricting legitimate services unrelated to the targeted gambling platforms.
The procedure also includes mechanisms for correcting improper blocking.
Platforms Included
The latest list contains addresses associated with brands including:
- Betano.
- Betsson.
- Rojabet.
- Estelarbet.
- Betcris.
- KTO.
- 1xBet.
- Marathonbet.
- Betway.
- Betfair.
- Betsala.
- Bet365.
- Mi Casino.
- Sportingbet.
The measure applies to specifically identified domains rather than necessarily every web address connected with each brand.
Second September List
The 21 September action follows an earlier order issued on 1 September.
That first instruction required providers to block 42 URLs previously reviewed by the SCJ.
79 Addresses During September
Together, the two procedures cover 79 URLs or domains.
That does not necessarily mean 79 different operators, because individual brands can use multiple addresses.
aPAL Had Already Objected
The association had already raised concerns following the first 42-site block.
It called for greater scrutiny to ensure every listed address remained directly linked to the relevant court decisions.
Competence and Enforcement
The current dispute is not solely about whether platforms possess legal authorisation.
It also raises a procedural question about how far administrative authorities may go when implementing judicial rulings.
Tax Compliance
aPAL also reiterated its commitment to complying with existing tax obligations.
It specifically referred to implementation of Internal Revenue Service Exempt Resolution No. 69 and its implications for VAT payments.
Tax and Operating Legality
Tax liability and legal authorisation to offer gambling are separate legal questions.
Paying or being assessed for tax does not itself create a gambling licence.
Call for Specific Regulation
aPAL argues that the underlying issue cannot be permanently resolved through domain-by-domain blocking.
The association is calling for a specific online betting regulatory framework.
Clear Rules
Its preferred framework would include:
- Clear operator rules.
- Licensing.
- Effective supervision.
- User protection.
- Tax obligations.
- Compliance mechanisms.
Legislative Debate
Chile continues to discuss legislation that would create a dedicated framework for online betting operators.
While that process remains unresolved, public authorities are applying existing legislation and court orders.
SCJ Position
The SCJ has consistently maintained that gambling may only be offered where expressly authorised by law.
Under that interpretation, platforms without specific authorisation remain outside the permitted system.
Technical Limits
SUBTEL had already acknowledged in June that there is no completely effective mechanism for permanently blocking mirror sites.
The dynamic nature of online platforms means blocking lists must be updated continuously.
Protection of Legitimate Services
The Court-coordinated procedure includes correction mechanisms where a legitimate service may be affected inadvertently.
Technical specificity is therefore part of the validation process.
Industry Context
Chile is experiencing a period of heightened regulatory tension around online betting.
Courts and regulators are advancing website blocks, while online platforms are pushing for a licensing framework that clearly defines who may operate and under what conditions.
Next Steps and Impact
The six internet providers must continue implementing the domains included in the new list and certify compliance to the Santiago Court of Appeals.
aPAL is expected to maintain its objections to the scope of the process while continuing to advocate for specific regulation.
The debate will therefore continue on two parallel fronts: the legal reach of existing court orders and the creation of a permanent regulatory framework for Chile’s online betting market.
Editó: @fonta
