The Supreme Court of Chile has ordered local Internet service providers to block access to illegal online gambling platforms. The ruling came after Loteria de Concepcion SA filed an injunction against several providers for failing to take action against websites operating outside the law.

The companies named in the ruling include Claro Chile SpA, Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones SA, GTD Manquehue SA, Telefonica Chile SA, WOM SA, and VTR Comunicaciones SpA. According to the Court, these providers either refused or failed to block access to the gambling platforms, which led to the decision in favor of Loteria de Concepcion.

A Landmark Legal Precedent

Loteria de Concepcion called the ruling a landmark decision that establishes a new precedent for the country. The company stressed that blocking illegal online gambling sites is no longer a choice but a legal requirement.

This decision builds on previous actions by Chile’s Supreme Court. In 2023, the Court ruled that platforms such as Betsson, Coolbet, and Latamwin were operating illegally within Chile. The Court has made it clear in the ruling that online gambling platforms without proper authorization cannot continue business in the country.

Chile’s Strict Gambling Regulations

Gambling in Chile is tightly regulated. Only Loteria de Concepcion and its competitor, Polla Chilena de Beneficiencia, are authorized to sell lottery tickets. Casinos and horse racetracks must also obtain a license to operate legally.

In recent years, online gambling platforms have gained attention in Chile, particularly because of their involvement in sports sponsorships. By 2022, more than 90 percent of soccer teams in Chile’s top two professional leagues were sponsored by online betting platforms. However, in 2023, the government banned these sponsorships, citing concerns about the influence of illegal gambling.

Online Gambling Market in Chile

Despite regulations, the online gambling market in Chile has continued to grow. A study released this year by Yield Sec, a market intelligence provider, revealed that there are more than 3,800 online gambling operators active in the country. Of these, about 25 companies dominate the market, controlling 87 percent of its value.

The market was valued at around 3.1 billion dollars in 2024. The largest operators include Betano, Coolbet, and Jugabet, which together hold a significant share of the industry. This large number of operators and the value of the market demonstrate why the government and the courts have taken stronger action against illegal platforms.

The Supreme Court’s latest ruling sends a clear message to Internet providers and online operators alike. Access to illegal gambling platforms will no longer be tolerated, and service providers have a legal obligation to block them. For Chile, this decision could mark the start of stricter enforcement and a shift in how the country handles its fast-growing online gambling market.