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The internet service providers (ISPs) in Chile have been instructed to block 37 additional online gambling websites identified by the Superintendency of Casinos and Gaming (SCJ). The measure targets the Internet service providers in question and requires them to implement the DNS blocks within no more than 48 hours of notification, following decisions by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals in Santiago.
Betano, Betsson, Rojabet, Estelarbet, Betcris, Kto Bet, 1xBet, Marathonbet, Betway, Betfair, Betsala, Bet365, Mi Casino and Sporting Bet are among the betting and online gambling sites on the newest list of domains, subdomains and mirror sites.
DNS Blocking Procedure Continues
In Subtel’s technical report, the Court of Appeals of Santiago ruled that DNS blocking is a suitable means of implementing the court’s decision. The procedure is targeted at certain identified domains, to make it more specific and less likely to inadvertently block legitimate service.
Internet providers v must prove the blocks have been directly put in place before the Santiago Court of Appeals. They also have to provide Subtel with a confirmation that specifies the exact time and date of each block’s execution.
The process is anticipated to be ongoing with the addition of further domains, sub-domains and mirror sites. In the frame of the court-defined mechanisms, the new addresses have to be identified, verifiable and pre-validated by the SCJ. There are also mechanisms to correct any potential disruptions to legitimate services in the process.
SCJ Validates Domains Before Blocking
It starts with the reporting of domains, subdomains, redirects, or mirror sites from Lotería de Concepción or the third party assisting it to the SCJ, which are connected to illegal online gambling websites.
The SCJ then decides if the addresses reported are for online betting or gambling sites. After validation, Subtel formally notifies the affected internet service providers (ISP), such as Entel, Movistar, Claro, GTD, WOM and VTR, who are required to apply the DNS blocks within 48 hours.
The mechanism will facilitate the coordination of the process between the courts, the gambling regulator, telecommunications authorities and internet providers, and can be extended to additional domains as they are discovered.
aPAL Questions Scope of New Blocks
The Chilean Online Betting Platforms Association (aPAL) has expressed doubts about the latest blocking measures, noting that some of the domains included in the new list may not be covered by the judicial decisions that set up the procedure.
In a statement, aPAL said: “Today, domains are once again appearing that are not included in the Supreme Court ruling or in the resolution of the Court of Appeals that gave rise to this procedure.”
The association went on: “Respecting court decisions also means respecting the limits established in them.” The association contended that administrative measures taken to enforce judicial decisions should not go beyond the scope of the decisions.
Online Gambling Regulation Remains Under Debate
aPAL also cited the larger debate on the regulation of online gambling in Chile. The organization voiced worries about the blocking measures affecting the estimation of tax revenue from Digital VAT.
“The fundamental issue cannot be resolved domain by domain. Chile needs regulation that allows this market to be organized comprehensively, with clear rules, effective oversight and user protection,” the association said.
This new ruling thus follows Chile’s ongoing discussions about a comprehensive law for online gambling. The existing method enables police to take action against a particular website, but the issue of the regulation of online betting in the country is still being discussed.
Source: SBC Noticias
