Chile's Vandal Registry Sparks Debate Over Raffles and Public Incivilities

The Chilean government has announced a "Registro de Vándalos" that will criminalize vandalism and other forms of incivility in public spaces. Lawmakers and officials are now discussing whether the registry should also cover organizers of raffles, lotteries and charitable bingos, activities that many Chileans use to raise funds for medical treatment, community projects or sports clubs.

Opposition politicians warn that individuals or groups that run such events without the required permits could be added to the registry, while the ruling coalition says the measure does not aim to ban community raffles or bingos, merely to enforce existing legal requirements. The 2015 Law 20.851 allows non‑profit entities to hold occasional raffles and bingos if they notify the municipality and meet specific conditions; larger‑scale draws need authorization from the Interior Ministry or regional authorities. The discussion also highlights the growing use of Instagram and Facebook giveaways by influencers, raising questions about their regulatory status.