Chile’s state lottery operator, Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, has filed a formal complaint accusing an unauthorized online betting site of suplanting its brand and likeness, in an escalation of its ongoing legal dispute with offshore platforms.
The lawsuit, lodged this week, targets a website operating under the name “Polla Casino,” alleging the illicit use of intellectual property to mislead Chilean consumers. Polla Chilena claims the fake site closely mimics its branding and actively diverts players away from legal channels, causing reputational and financial harm.
Recent public records show that Chile’s regulated gaming authority has flagged nearly 3,000 illegal betting sites as part of its broader crackdown on online gambling. Although earlier legal actions—like blocking some offshore domains—yielded mixed results, Polla Chilena is intensifying enforcement through criminal proceedings under laws protecting trademarks and consumer safety.
This move adds a new dimension to Chile’s regulatory debate. With Congress advancing a bill to legalize and regulate online gambling, complainants argue that enforcing brand protection is essential to establish a trustworthy, licensed market. Meanwhile, critics question whether such lawsuits unfairly stifle competition or serve as protectionist barriers.
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The case represents a critical test of Chile’s ability to transition from prohibition to regulation. If successful, Polla Chilena’s complaint may pave the way for tighter control over online gaming operators and advance the debate on how best to protect consumers in the digital age.
