Chilean Court Orders ISPs to Block Online Gaming Sites Within Five Days
Chile.– November 21, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com The Court of Appeals of Santiago has given the main Internet service providers in Chile a strict five-day deadline to confirm whether they have complied with a Supreme Court mandate ordering the blocking of multiple online gaming platforms operating without authorization in the country. The decision places immediate pressure on major telecom companies and opens a new chapter in Chile’s ongoing debate over digital gambling and its legal definition.
Online gaming sites such as Betano, Coolbet, Rojabet, JugaBet and Betsson were specifically cited in the legal action presented by Lotería de Concepción, which maintains that the operators of these platforms are acting in violation of existing regulations. The dispute brings renewed attention to the legal vacuum surrounding the online betting industry and the urgent need for clarity in Chile’s regulatory framework.
Overview
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that unauthorized online gambling constitutes an illicit activity, establishing that Internet service providers cannot facilitate access to platforms that do not hold legal authorization to offer online games of chance. The ruling reinforces the responsibility of ISPs in preventing access to online gaming services that fall outside the legally recognized framework.
Details / Context
The case originated from a protection appeal filed by Lotería de Concepción, one of the entities with legally recognized rights to operate games of chance in Chile. Along with other state-authorized institutions such as Polla Chilena, casinos and racetracks, the lottery argues that its concession grants it exclusive rights to the operation of gambling activities within the national territory. According to the appeal, the growing number of offshore online operators has created a competitive imbalance and a regulatory challenge that must be addressed urgently.
On the other side of the debate, various legal experts and representatives of the online gaming industry argue that Chilean legislation does not explicitly prohibit online betting. They contend that the Supreme Court’s interpretation goes beyond the scope of existing laws and is not aligned with current constitutional provisions. For these industry leaders, the decision reflects motivations that extend beyond legal reasoning and ventures into the territory of personal or moral judgment.
Among the most vocal critics is Carlos Baeza Guíñez, president of the Chilean Association of Online Betting Platforms. Baeza argues that neither the Constitution nor the Penal Code categorically forbids all forms of online betting and that the ruling imposes restrictions without a clear legal foundation. He maintains that regulation, rather than prohibition, should be the guiding principle for Chile’s digital gaming ecosystem.
Subtopics
Impact on Internet Providers
ISPs must now report compliance within just five days, setting a potentially far-reaching precedent. Their response may determine whether Chile moves toward more aggressive enforcement or toward a more structured regulatory model.
Implications for International Operators
Global betting companies offering services in Chile without a formal license face increased uncertainty. Blocking access could significantly impact customer acquisition, retention and revenue streams derived from Chilean users.
A Regulatory Framework in Transition
This legal dispute exposes the absence of comprehensive legislation governing online gaming. It highlights a conflict between traditional operators bound by state concessions and digital platforms that currently occupy a legal grey area. The case could accelerate political pressure to establish clear, modern and enforceable rules for remote gambling activities.
Future Outlook
The ruling could reshape the landscape of online gambling in Chile. If enforcement intensifies, unlicensed operators may lose access to one of Latin America’s most active digital betting markets. Conversely, the controversy could drive momentum toward a long-awaited regulatory reform that clarifies the rights and obligations of both local and international stakeholders.
For the broader Latin American region, Chile’s case could serve as a model—either for regulatory tightening or for the development of more adaptive frameworks aimed at balancing innovation, consumer protection and responsible gaming. In any scenario, the coming weeks will likely define how Chile positions itself within the evolving global iGaming industry.
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