SJC warns against unauthorized use of its logo for illegal online betting platforms in Chile
The SCJ has issued a warning regarding the unauthorized use of its institutional logo in promotional materials for illegal online gambling platforms. According to a SCJ press release it has detected a series of social media posts that improperly employ its logo, leading to potential legal repercussions. “This fact has been reported to the Public Ministry, as it could constitute various crimes,” the SCJ said.
The organization emphasized that these publications not only misuse its institutional image but also use images of authorized gaming casinos in accordance with Law No. 19,995, creating a misleading impression. “This constitutes a deception towards individuals, who might mistakenly believe that these platforms are regulated and supervised by this Superintendence,” the SCJ warned.
In Chile, gambling is primarily illegal, and any betting operations can only occur with explicit legal authorization. Currently, such authorization is limited to select entities, including Polla Chilena de Beneficencia S.A., Lotería de Concepción S.A., racetracks, and licensed casinos.
The SCJ also highlighted that a bill regulating online betting is currently under discussion in Congress. “As long as there is no legislation that specifically allows and regulates online gambling, its operation in the country is illegal,” the organisation stated.
“These platforms, which operate outside the legal framework, do so without paying taxes, without guarantees of transparency in their results, and without protection mechanisms against fraud,” the press release stated.
In addition, the SCJ raised concerns regarding the lack of responsible gambling policies and protections for minors. The absence of compliance with laws related to the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing pose additional risks it said.
Accessing unlicenced platforms “exposes individuals to potential frauds, such as non-delivered prizes or unfulfilled conditions,” the SCJ cautioned.
Undersecretary of Finance Heidi Berner and the head of the SJC Vivien Villagrán presented Chile’s online gambling bill to the Senate’s Economic Committee in January 2024 and the Senate Economics Committee unanimously approved in general the bill in April but there has been no progress on the project since then.
