Chile orders blocking of 42 unauthorized online gambling sites

Chile's Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) has ordered internet service providers to block 42 online gambling and casino websites within 48 hours. The measure follows rulings from the Supreme Court and the Santiago Court of Appeals, triggered by a legal challenge from Lotería de Concepción regarding platforms operating without proper authorization.

To implement the ban, Subtel instructed companies including Entel, Movistar, Claro, GTD, WOM, and VTR to use Domain Name System (DNS) blocking. This method was selected to maintain network neutrality and user privacy while preventing the accidental blocking of legal services. The list of targeted URLs was verified and provided by the Superintendency of Casinos and Games (SCJ).

Some platforms have already attempted to bypass the restrictions by migrating to new domains or international extensions. The Chilean Association of Online Betting Platforms (aPAL) has criticized the move, arguing that the scope of the block exceeds the original judicial order. Meanwhile, some political figures have supported the action, citing the potential for addiction among youth.