DirecTV Chile has been officially sanctioned by Chile’s Court of Appeals in Santiago for breaching national broadcasting regulations by airing gambling-related advertisements during protected time slots.
These time frames are designated to shield children and sensitive viewers from exposure to potentially harmful content, including unlicensed gambling promotions.
According to the ruling, DirecTV failed to comply with broadcasting rules by displaying promotional content for online betting operators during hours considered inappropriate for such material.
This decision marks a significant moment in Chile’s broader campaign to regulate gambling content in mass media and protect minors from exposure to unlicensed iGaming platforms.
The ruling reaffirms the stance of the Council for Advertising Self-Regulation and Ethics (CONAR), which has frequently flagged violations concerning online betting promotion.
With the popularity of iGaming platforms soaring in Latin America, regulators are increasing scrutiny to ensure operators and broadcasters comply with local advertising laws.
DirecTV Chile now faces financial penalties and must implement corrective measures to prevent further infractions. This may include the introduction of stronger content filters and revised ad scheduling protocols.
Chile is currently working on a legal framework that aims to formally regulate the online gambling sector, which has operated in a largely gray area for years. Until then, enforcement actions like this serve to uphold public trust and ensure broadcasters act responsibly.
