SPORTS BETTING

Chile – Contract between Betsson and ANFP ends

By James - 16 October 2023

The National Association of Professional Football (ANFP) has announced the end of its sponsorship deal signed with Betsson as of October 15.

In a short statement the ANFP said:

“The National Professional Football Association reports the end of the contracts it has in force with Betsson as of October 15 of this year. The above responds to a decision by Betsson in accordance with the contracts signed between the parties.”

The announcement comes after growing pressure from the government after the ANFP was given just 30 days by the Ministry of Justice to end any contracts it may have with sports betting operators. The Ministry of Justice also announced that the same regulations could well apply to the ANFP’s associates including clubs and any of its partners.

At a press conference in September the Chilean Undersecretary of Justice, Jaime Gajardo argued that in accordance with current legislation and in line with arguments put forward by the Chilean Gaming Board (SJC) it was the Executive’s view that the operation of betting houses constituted “an activity that is carried out outside the law” and that  it “has no legal basis” in the Constitution.

“We have determined that these contracts that it [the ANFP] has with these third parties that place online bets with a domicile abroad are not allowed in national legislation. Therefore, there is nothing else to do than revoke them,” Gajardo said.

In January the ANFP and Betsson, entered into a sponsorship agreement for the Chilean First Division football league. As a result, the tournament became officially known as the Campeonato Betsson. The online operator was previously the official sponsor of Colo-Colo during the entire 2022 season and the official betting partner of the Chilean National Team during the World Cup qualifying process. Additionally, Betsson also sponsored the Campeonato Ascenso, known as Ascenso Betsson, for two years until 2022.