Key Moments:
- Telecommunications companies confirmed full implementation of the Supreme Court’s order to block online betting sites, but operators have continued to function by changing URLs and using alternative methods.
- Chilean authorities acknowledged that network-level blocking measures have limited effectiveness, as domain blocks are quickly circumvented by platform operators.
- The Chilean Senate is currently debating a proposal to regulate online betting, aiming for a sustainable framework beyond technical blocking measures.
Telecommunications Sector Fulfills Supreme Court Mandate
The enforcement of the Supreme Court’s directive to block online betting platforms across Chile has put significant pressure on both the telecommunications industry and regulatory bodies. Leading providers including Claro, Entel, GTD, Telefónica, WOM, and VTR have all confirmed adherence to the court’s ruling, per Chile Telcos, the association representing the sector. Alfie Ulloa, the association’s president, emphasized that members had taken the required blocking actions. However, he noted a critical limitation: providers cannot filter traffic by content, origin, or destination unless given explicit legal or administrative authority.
This limitation has left considerable room for platforms to evade restrictions. Ulloa pointed out that betting sites are able to modify their URLs or utilize alternative access methods such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and independent DNS solutions provided by external content companies. These technical workarounds mean platforms continue to operate despite formal compliance by telecommunications providers, illustrating the challenges of enforcing digital bans in today’s interconnected landscape.
Effectiveness of the Domain Blocks Called into Question
Persistent doubts over the practical effectiveness of these blocking measures became evident when, in mid-November, the Santiago Court of Appeals asked internet providers to demonstrate compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision. That order originated from Lotería de Concepción’s legal request, contesting the legitimacy of online betting companies operating in Chile.
The process of blocking specific domains or URLs, however, quickly proved to be technically limited, as affected operators could respond by changing domain names or redirecting traffic via alternative online pathways. This reality rendered such measures short-lived and easily bypassed.
Government Perspective: Technical Barriers Remain
Claudio Araya, Chile’s Undersecretary of Telecommunications, has publicly acknowledged the inherent inefficiency in the country’s current approach to blocking online betting sites. In an interview with Radio Cooperativa, Araya stated: “the kind of blocking available at the network level in Chile is ‘relatively easy to bypass,’ given how domain names work.”
He elaborated by noting that there are “virtually infinite” possible domain combinations, allowing operators to adjust almost instantaneously to newly implemented blocks. Enforcement, in practice, amounts to “digital whack-a-mole,” as each move by authorities is quickly countered by the platforms. Araya also highlighted that the judiciary may have underestimated the technical complexities involved, stating, “They could have consulted more to obtain the necessary technical support”, and reflecting that legal expertise alone may not equip judges to address highly technical digital issues.
Regulation Proposed as a Long-Term Response
According to Araya, the only long-term, effective solution lies in developing a comprehensive regulatory environment for online gaming, as the limitations of technical blocking have become clear. Discussions on such a legislative framework are currently underway in Chile’s Senate.
He observed, “Regulating does not mean prohibiting. It means making sure that all participants operate under the same rules, and that is vital.” Proper regulation would define clear obligations, monitoring mechanisms, and enforcement powers surpassing the limited effect of simple DNS or URL bans.
Legislative Debate Signals a Pivotal Moment for Chile
The confluence of judicial mandates, telecommunications compliance, and ongoing evasion by betting platforms has demonstrated the adaptive nature of the digital ecosystem. As Chile weighs its next steps, the Senate’s deliberations on regulation could prove decisive in shaping the nation’s approach to online gaming governance, where consumer protection, technological feasibility, and market growth converge.
| Entity | Role/Position | Action/Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Claro, Entel, GTD, Telefónica, WOM, VTR | Telecom Providers | Implemented Supreme Court-ordered domain blocks |
| Chile Telcos | Industry Association | Confirmed provider compliance, noted blocking limitations |
| Claudio Araya | Undersecretary of Telecommunications | Admitted implementation is easily bypassed, stressed need for regulation |
- Author
Daniel Williams
