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The scandal of the involvement of online gambling firms in Chilean football has resurfaced in the wake of recent statements by the Chilean Casino Association (ACCJ). The association president, Cecilia Valdés, claimed that organizations advertising betting websites are engaging in illegal activities. However, 13 professional football clubs have co-signed a joint statement rejecting the claim, arguing that such comparisons are over-the-top and prejudicial to constructive debate about the future of the sport.
Conflict between Regulation and Sponsorship
Following a Supreme Court ruling that compelled internet firms to block unlicensed bookmaking websites, Valdés stated that “following the Court’s ruling, clubs should understand that advertising betting companies is the same as advertising drugs, because they are banned in Chile.”
This remark attracted a strong response from the likes of Cobresal, Limache, Coquimbo, Unión San Felipe, Unión La Calera, Everton, Audax Italiano, Palestino, O’Higgins, Ñublense, Huachipato, Deportes Concepción, and Universidad de Concepción. The clubs said they were appalled at what they described as “inaccurate and exaggerated interpretations” by the media and the ACCJ.
In their statement, they asserted: “We regret hyperbolic interpretations on the part of some media and the declarations of the Chilean Casino Association to the effect that advertising on controlled websites is equivalent to illegal activity such as drug trafficking. These comparisons are not only baseless but also denigrate the argument that requires vision and attention to common solutions.”
Clubs Defend the Legitimacy of Sponsorships
Chilean football clubs have consistently argued that their sponsorship agreements with internet betting websites are legitimate and consistent with international norms.
“We have received expert legal and regulatory advice ensuring that these contracts are firm and according to international standards,” said the clubs. “Online gaming websites sponsor sports events, games, and media worldwide, TV channels, radio, and the Chilean news media.”
Clubs underscored that barring such partnerships would put Chilean sports at a disadvantage competitively compared to other markets in the region and worldwide.
Possible Risks of an Absolute Ban on Advertising
In their collective statement, the clubs warned that a flat ban on betting sponsorships could have a severe impact on the national sporting climate. Drawing parallels with similar discussions across nearby countries, they highlighted the way sponsorship limitations could lead to financial instability and reduced competitiveness.
“In comparable regional environments, sporting federations have defended such practices against legislative efforts to prohibit sponsorships on clothing and broadcasts“, the statement added. “A restrictive approach in Chile would compound comparable issues, placing the national sporting culture well behind on continental and global fronts.”
Emphasis on Social Responsibility and Youth Programs
Apart from money, the clubs also cited the social impact that they bring to responsible gaming and youth development.
“Clubs are not part of the problem; we are part of the solution“, they said. “Through cross-sector Responsible Gaming campaigns and community programs, many of which are partially funded by these sponsorships, we help youth development, teaching them values such as discipline and teamwork.”
They emphasized that revenues from betting are aimed at financing education, social, and sporting initiatives, and that engaging with licensed operators presents an opportunity for regulation and education rather than criminalizing the activity.
Legal and Regulatory Outlook
The row follows the Supreme Court’s endorsement of a safeguard appeal by Lotería de Concepción, leading to an order against large telephone operators, Claro, Entel, GTD, Movistar, WOM, and VTR, to block all licensed-free internet gambling websites with immediate effect.
This court decision has put pressure on operators and sporting organizations, too, as Chile moves along its path toward a full and solid system of gambling regulation.
While the battle continues in the courts, the united stance of the clubs is a message that sounds more universal: sports and betting do not necessarily have to be at odds, but under appropriate, transparent, and regulated conditions can be complementary, and that blanket prohibitions could do Chilean football and society only damage.
Source: GMB
