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Chile’s Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling, outlawing all sports betting sites operating within the country. This action is in response to an appeal filed by state-owned lottery company, Polla Chilena de Beneficencia.
The Appeal and the Ruling
The appeal was initially rejected by the Court of Appeals of Concepción. However, the Supreme Court, the highest legal authority in the country, has now accepted it. The court has ordered that more than 20 online betting sites be blocked from access via telecommunications company Mundo Pacifico.
The court’s decision makes it clear that Mundo Pacifico can’t promote or broadcast any form of gambling games unless they have legal authorization from the administrative authority. As a result, they must block all websites related to these activities immediately.
The court emphasized that the betting sites were operating “illegally and without control”. Therefore, the appeal by Polla de Beneficencia needed to be upheld. The court also pointed out that online sports betting, like the activity reported by the appellant, is not permitted under Chilean law. Those who enable or participate in such activities could face criminal penalties.
Impact on Online Bookmakers
The court’s decision has far-reaching implications for several online bookmakers. These include popular platforms like Betsson, Betwarrior, Betano, Coolbet, Juegaenlinea.com, Latamwin, Estelarbet, KTO, Bet365, Micasino.com, Rojabet, Betway, Betcris, Betfair, Rivalo, Sportingbet, Bwin, Marathonbet, 1XBET, BetPlay, BetSala, Bodog, and Rushbet. Some of these platforms, like bingo bonga and those powered by Red Tiger software, are popular among users.
Reactions to the Ruling
Macarena Carvallo, the president of the board of directors of Polla Chilena, expressed approval of the Supreme Court’s ruling. She reiterated that only this state-owned company is legally authorized to operate sports betting in Chile.
Carvallo added, “As we have always maintained, gambling is banned in our country, except for those legal entities that the law permits and licenses. Regarding sports betting, this is granted solely and exclusively to Polla Chilena de Beneficencia. This ruling reaffirms that.”
