Chile’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a ban on sports betting advertising at sporting events and stadiums. The measure now goes to the Senate, reported SBC Americas.
According to an official document reported by SBC, “The Chamber of Deputies has approved the bill that prohibits the presence of online sports betting advertising in sports events and clubs, corresponding to bulletin N°14.892-29.”
It extends the ban to “clubs, associations, sports federations, national sports federations, sports corporations, foundations, professional sports funds, concessionaires and related institutions,” and includes all sports. However, the sport with the most sportsbook sponsorships is soccer. The document notes that one goal is to prevent sports manipulation.
It also seeks to prevent the participation of minors in sports betting and of people who belong to sports organizations, including sports clubs.
Moreover the ban includes team equipment and uniforms, and applies to all employees, coaches, managers or other employees.
Penalties for violations cap at $158,000 but can be doubled for repeat offenders. Worse, professional sports organizations, will “be penalized by being removed from the register of professional sports organizations,” in some cases.
One representative, Deputy Marisela Santibáñez commented, “Legal companies, such as Polla Chilena, pay taxes and are regulated. Sport must be positive and aim for good values and not encourage betting.”
