TLDR Chile’s Subtel ordered internet providers to block 42 offshore online gambling websites. Telecom companies have 48 hours to block the sites using DNS blocking methods. The order follows rulings from the Supreme Court and the Santiago Court of Appeals. The case began with a legal complaint filed by Lotería de Concepción. Chile’s tax agency has separately registered 25 foreign gambling platforms, though registration does not mean they are authorized to operate.
Chile’s telecommunications regulator has ordered the blocking of 42 online gambling websites operating without authorization in the country. The Undersecretariat of Telecommunications, known as Subtel, announced the decision this week.
The websites are run by foreign companies and are not part of Chile’s current regulatory system for gambling. Subtel says the sites must be blocked because they operate outside the law.
Major internet providers are affected by the order. These include Entel, Movistar, Claro, GTD, WOM and VTR.
How the Blocking Will Work
Subtel will use Domain Name System blocking, also called DNS blocking, to restrict access to the sites. This method targets the specific web addresses without affecting other internet services.
The Superintendency of Casinos gave Subtel the list of sites to block. This agency reviews and confirms which gambling platforms are running without proper authorization in Chile.
Subtel Undersecretary Romina Garrido said the agency is following court orders. She said the goal is to protect people’s digital security by requiring telecom companies to act quickly.
Telecom companies have 48 hours to block the listed websites. They must then report back to the Santiago Court of Appeals with proof, including the exact date and time each site was blocked.
Legal Background of the Case
The blocking order traces back to a legal complaint filed by Lotería de Concepción. The company argued that telecom providers