Chilean Regulator Requests Blocking of 37 More Gambling Domains

Chilean Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been ordered to block 37 additional online gambling websites identified by the SCJ. Under the measure, ISPs must implement the DNS blocks within 48 hours after receiving notification from the Supreme Court and the Santiago Court of Appeals.

DNS Blocking Gains Momentum

The Court of Appeals of Santiago ruled that DNS blocking is a suitable means of targeting specific domains and preventing legitimate operators from being thwarted.

In addition to 42 brands that have already faced similar blocking in Chile, the list of new websites includes Betano, Betsson, Rojabet, KTO, Estelarbet, Betcris, 1xBet, Marathonbet, Betway, Betsala, Betfair, Bet365, Mi Casino, SportingBet, among others.

Authorities are expected to expand the blocking list as additional domains, subdomains, and mirrors are identified. Under the framework established by the courts, each newly reported address must undergo identification, verification, and prior approval by the SCJ.

The Chilean Online Betting Platforms Association Disagrees

The latest domain restrictions have prompted aPAL to challenge the legal basis for targeting some of the websites named in the new blocking request.

The association pointed out that several newly targeted domains are not covered by either the Supreme Court ruling or the resolution issued by the Santiago Court of Appeals. It added that enforcing judicial decisions requires administrative measures to stay within the limits set by the courts.

The association linked the issue to Chile’s broader debate over online gambling regulation. aPAL warned that the blocking measures could affect estimates of tax revenue generated through Digital VAT.