Chile Orders ISPs to Block 42 Illegal Betting Sites

Chile's telecommunications regulator Subtel ordered internet providers Entel, Movistar, Claro, GTD, WOM, and VTR on September 1 to block access to 42 iGaming operator domains operating in the country without authorization, giving providers 48 hours to comply. The regulator applied a permanent blocking mechanism approved by the Santiago Court of Appeals on August 7.

The list of blocked domains includes Stake, 1xBet, 1win, Melbet, Betano, Betsson, bet365, BC.GAME, TonyBet, Pin-Up, BetFury, Coolbet, Novibet, Betcris, JackpotCity, Rabona, Jugabet, Rojabet, and Betsala. According to local media reports, at least Betano, Betsson, Coolbet, Rojabet, and Betsala restored access for Chilean players through new domains before the deadline expired, notifying customers that their accounts and balances remained intact; Coolbet also launched a promotional campaign during the transition. Subtel's director stated that the blocking mechanism operates on an ongoing cyclical basis, and future domain lists could include hundreds of additional entries.

The rapid domain-switching by several operators highlights a common challenge facing regulators pursuing site-blocking enforcement, as unlicensed platforms can quickly relaunch under new addresses to maintain access for existing players. Subtel's indication that future blocking rounds may scale significantly suggests Chilean authorities intend to sustain and expand enforcement pressure against illegal operators going forward.