Online Bookmakers Betano, Betsson, and Coolbet Win Case in Chile: Court Refuses to Continue Investigation
Case Closed
After nearly three years of investigation, the Chilean Prosecutor’s Office terminated the case against foreign online bookmakers Betano, Betsson, and Coolbet.
The decision was signed on April 11 by Ñuñoa District Deputy Prosecutor Rossana Folle. The process is expected to be officially completed by July 11.
The investigation began in 2022 following complaints from land-based casinos, the Club Hípico racetrack, and the state lottery Polla Chilena de Beneficencia.
These entities claimed that the mentioned platforms operate in a legal grey area: they do not pay taxes, have unclear ownership structures, and are based outside the country.
Reasons for Case Closure
The court denied the prosecution’s request to extend the investigation period and, under Chile’s Criminal Procedure Code, the case was officially closed.
As a result, the Betano platform and other operators avoided potential sanctions and legal proceedings.
Market Response
The Chilean Association of Online Bookmakers welcomed the court’s decision. In an official statement, the association’s representatives said they viewed this as confirmation of the legality of their operations.
They also emphasized the need for proper regulation and expressed willingness to cooperate with lawmakers.
Key Positions of the Association:
- Operators comply with current laws;
- Willing to take part in building regulatory frameworks;
- Support transparent operating rules.
Why This Matters
The online betting market in Chile is growing but still lacks a clear legal framework. This creates tension between traditional and digital operators:
| Traditional Operators | Online Bookmakers |
|---|---|
| Strictly regulated | Operate in a legal vacuum |
| Pay taxes in Chile | Registered abroad |
| Supported the complaint | Opposed the investigation |
Traditional operators believe they face unequal conditions: they comply with strict rules, while competitors do not.
What’s Next?
Although the investigation is closed, the legal issue remains unresolved. Chilean authorities and the National Congress are now under pressure to establish clear laws for the digital sector. This is necessary for:
- User protection;
- Business transparency;
- Tax collection.
For now, online platforms continue to operate in the market without violating current laws, but still without specific regulations.