This week, regulatory actions had a significant impact on the performance of the iGaming sector. Notably, Chile experienced a remarkable growth of 157.1% after its regulator mandated six internet service providers to block access to 42 websites offering unauthorized betting and casino services. This enforcement action stood out as the key development in this reporting period.
In addition to Chile's success, Paraguay and Peru saw benefits from their respective sports events, while India gained traction from increased scrutiny related to a high-profile money laundering investigation. Canadian authorities also took significant steps concerning prediction markets in British Columbia.
Conversely, the overall downturn in other regions was largely attributable to regulatory measures. Countries such as Cyprus, Russia, Bulgaria, Italy, and Poland implemented regulations that restricted access to gambling services, affected payments, restricted advertisements, and imposed regulations on affiliate promotions.
**Top 5 Gainers of the Week**
– **Chile (+157.1%)**: Chile recorded the highest increase following the Superintendence of Gaming Casinos' identification of 42 unauthorized online gambling websites. On September 1, the Subsecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) directed six internet service providers to apply DNS blocks within two days and to report compliance to the Santiago Court of Appeals. The list included sites affiliated with brands like Betano, Betsson, Stake, and bet365, aligning with a Supreme Court ruling from September 2025 on the illegality of unlicensed online gambling operations.
– **Paraguay (+124.4%)**: Football remained a key driver for the Paraguayan market. During September 5-6, the country hosted round nine of the Torneo Clausura, featuring a notable match where Olimpia triumphed over Sportivo Trinidense with a 2-1 score, solidified by a winning goal from Hugo Sandoval.
– **India (+71.6%)**: The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its focus on India following the Parimatch investigation. On September 2, 17 locations across five states were searched, resulting in the seizure of Rs 61 lakh in cash and the freezing of approximately Rs 37 crore in bank accounts.
– **British Columbia (+62.3%)**: The province has heightened scrutiny on prediction market regulations. The Independent Gambling Control Office announced on August 28 that contracts tied to entertainment and sports provided by unlicensed firms like Kalshi and Polymarket are classified as illegal gambling outside the PlayNow monopoly.
– **Peru (+49.9%)**: The Peru Liga 1 Torneo Clausura is currently maintaining a busy domestic football schedule. Matchday 8, taking place from September 4-6, highlighted Sporting Cristal's 5-0 victory against Los Chankas and Deportivo Garcilaso's 4-2 win over Atlético Grau.
**Top 5 Decliners of the Week**
– **Cyprus (-69.7%)**: Cyprus experienced the largest drop this week following recommendations from the House Audit Committee, suggesting prohibitions on welfare payments used for gaming by Minimum Guaranteed Income recipients. Proposed measures included limiting the use of benefit cards and reviewing casino memberships prior to entry.
– **Russia (-66.9%)**: A new voluntary gambling self-exclusion registry was launched on September 1, allowing citizens to exclude themselves from legal betting and casinos for a minimum of one year through the Gosuslugi platform.
– **Bulgaria (-53.1%)**: New regulations came into effect on September 1, mandating that gambling affiliates obtain licenses. Each affiliate must pay an annual fee of €6,000, and failure to comply will result in blocking actions from the National Revenue Agency within 24 hours of notification.
– **Italy (-50.7%)**: Italy's Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) banned the Lega Serie A’s campaign “True Data” regarding Matchday 2. The campaign was deemed misleading and illegal due to its indirect promotion of gambling, with restrictions enforced beginning August 31.
– **Poland (-50.2%)**: As of September 1, Poland’s payment system has implemented stronger controls, enabling BLIK to block payments to websites listed as illegal gambling operators by the Ministry of Finance.
**Market Spotlight: Chile (+157.1%)**: Chile’s substantial shift this week was primarily due to Subtel’s order directing major ISPs to DNS block 42 URLs identified by the Superintendence of Gaming Casinos as unauthorized online gambling sites. This marked the first mass DNS blocking following the legal framework established after a recent Supreme Court decision, which included a range of international and local operators linked to sites like Betano, 1xBet, and Stake. The timing is crucial as Congress deliberates Bill 14.838-03, aimed at establishing a formal licensing framework for online gaming, pending passage while authorities rely on existing laws to combat illegal operations.
