Chilean authorities shut down three illegal gambling venues in Chillán

Authorities in Chillán, Chile, closed three illegal gambling establishments in the city center following a coordinated multi-agency operation targeting unlicensed gaming operations. 

The enforcement action involved the Regional Health Ministry of Ñuble, the Investigative Police, the Chilean Police, the Labor Directorate and Municipal Inspection services.

Lautaro Arias Berrocal, director of Public Security, stated that officials from various regional entities simultaneously arrived at three establishments operating in the city on Thursday afternoon. The venues, located on Maipón Street and two on 5 de Abril Street, were offering services to customers while operating outside legal frameworks.

Arias explained that the intervention resulted from a working group meeting conducted jointly with participating agencies. The operation aimed to combat illegal commerce, conduct inspections verifying compliance with current regulations, initiate health proceedings where applicable, monitor compliance with migration and immigration laws, ensure adherence to labor laws and verify tax law compliance.

The operation resulted in three arrests for violating and breaking seals, health proceedings for tobacco law violations, and infractions for labor informality. Authorities inspected individuals of Chilean nationality, two Chinese nationals with irregular immigration status, and two Venezuelan nationals with regular status.

The closures form part of ongoing intersectoral enforcement efforts against illegal gambling operations in the city. Chilean law restricts legal gambling operations to four authorized entities: Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, Lotería de Concepción, national horse racing operations, and state-authorized casinos. These licensed operators pay taxes, fund public policies and operate under state supervision.

The proliferation of unauthorized gambling establishments operating outside regulatory oversight has prompted increased coordination among Chilean enforcement agencies. 

Illegal venues operate without consumer protections, tax contributions or proper oversight, creating public health and safety concerns while depriving the state of revenue intended to support public programs.

Mark Sullivan

Visit Profile

Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.