Chile has ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block 37 additional domains associated with online betting and gambling platforms. This follows court decisions involving the Supreme Court and the Santiago Court of Appeals.
The Subsecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) notified Entel, Movistar, Claro, GTD, WOM and VTR that they must implement DNS blocks within 48 hours of receiving the notification. Moreover, the latest list includes domains, subdomains and mirror sites associated with platforms including Betano, Betsson, Rojabet, Estelarbet, Betcris, KTO Bet, 1xBet, Marathonbet, Betway, Betfair and Bet365.
DNS Blocking Process Expands
Subtel said the Santiago Court of Appeals considers DNS blocking an appropriate mechanism. This is because it can target specifically identified domains while reducing the risk of overblocking legitimate services.
ISPs must provide evidence of implementation directly to the Santiago Court of Appeals. In addition, they must send Subtel confirmation showing the exact date and time each block took effect.
The process will continue as additional domains, subdomains and mirror sites are identified. Under the court-established procedure, new addresses must be specific, verifiable and validated by the Superintendency of Casinos and Gaming (SCJ) before Subtel notifies the relevant ISPs.
SCJ Validates New Domains
The process begins when Lotería de Concepción or an assisting third party reports domains, redirects or mirror sites associated with unauthorized online gambling to the SCJ.
The SCJ then validates the reported addresses before Subtel sends the formal blocking request to the affected ISPs. The mechanism also includes procedures for correcting potential disruptions to legitimate services.
Subtel previously assessed several technical approaches. They identified DNS blocking of specific domains as a less invasive option than methods such as deep-packet inspection.
aPAL Questions Scope of Blocking
The Chilean Online Betting Platforms Association (aPAL) has questioned whether some domains included in the latest list fall within the scope of the underlying court decisions.
The association argues that administrative measures implementing judicial decisions should remain within the limits established by those rulings. It has also called for a broader regulatory framework rather than continuing to address online gambling through individual domain blocks.
Chile’s SCJ currently states that commercial online betting platforms operate without legal authorisation under the existing framework. Legislation to establish a broader regulatory system remains under consideration.
The latest 37-domain order therefore represents another stage in Chile’s ongoing enforcement process. Further blocks are possible as additional sites are identified and validated.
