Chile’s Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) has issued a landmark ruling requiring telecommunications companies to block access not only to illegal gambling websites, but also to their mirror sites. The decision marks a significant escalation in Chile’s enforcement approach against unauthorised online gambling platforms. Notably, these platforms frequently bypass restrictions by shifting to alternative URLs.
The ruling overturns a previous decision by the Court of Appeals of Santiago. That court had concluded that telecom providers had complied with earlier court orders after blocking only the primary domain addresses of the targeted gambling sites.
Case Highlights Limits of Domain-Only Blocking
The case stems from legal action brought by two entities seeking to compel major telecom operators to restrict access to gambling platforms considered illegal in Chile. Under initial rulings from lower courts, internet service providers including Claro, Entel, GTD, Movistar, WOM, and VTR were ordered to block user access to specific gambling websites.
However, telecom representatives argued that full enforcement was technically difficult. They claimed they could block main domains. But blocking mirror sites could risk disrupting other internet services or affecting unrelated websites.
Based on those concerns, the Court of Appeals of Santiago accepted the argument and ruled that restricting access to primary domains was sufficient. It then closed the case after declaring the orders fulfilled.
Supreme Court Criticises Incomplete Enforcement
Chile’s Supreme Court rejected that conclusion, stating that the lower court’s decision resulted in incomplete compliance. It allowed illegal gambling activity to continue through alternative domains. The court noted that the gambling platforms remained accessible “due to omission,” despite lacking legal or administrative authorisation in Chile.
The Supreme Court also criticised the procedural approach taken by the Court of Appeals. The Court argued that it was inconsistent to close the case while failing to ensure full enforcement of the original orders.
Complaint Against Lower Court Judges Upheld
In addition to overturning the decision, the Supreme Court upheld a complaint filed against the appellate judges, citing “serious fault or abuse” in the way the ruling was handled. This element of the decision signals the seriousness with which Chile’s highest court is treating enforcement efforts related to illegal gambling.
Case Sent Back With Stronger Blocking Requirements
The Supreme Court ordered the case to be reconsidered by the Court of Appeals of Santiago. However, it instructed that new judges—who were not involved in the original decision—must oversee the process.
Crucially, the ruling now requires telecom companies to identify and block mirror websites and alternative URLs used by gambling platforms to evade restrictions. This effectively expands the scope of enforcement from domain-level blocking to broader web address monitoring.
Broader Impact on Online Gambling Enforcement
The decision highlights the growing challenge regulators face in controlling digital gambling operations that rapidly adapt through mirror domains and alternative routing methods. Furthermore, it increases pressure on telecom companies to implement more advanced blocking tools. These tools must be capable of responding to shifting URLs without disrupting wider internet services.
Overall, the ruling represents one of Chile’s strongest legal steps yet against unauthorised online gambling. It signals a tougher enforcement environment for offshore operators attempting to access the Chilean market.
