The Chilean Association of Gaming Casinos (ACCJ) has condemned the Chilean National Association of Professional Football (ANFP) for its recently agreed sponsorship deal with Swedish online gambling company Betsson.
The deal, which was announced earlier in January, will see Betsson become the official naming sponsor for the Chilean first division championship.
Cecilia Valdés, executive president of the ACCJ, spoke of the deal in a local radio interview highlighting the amount that Betsson had paid for the naming rights. She noted that the US$2.5 million (€2.3 million) was five times more than the previous sponsor had paid.
She also pointed out that the ANFP should “have a letter (from the SCJ) in their possession” that makes it clear that all forms of online betting is considered illegal by Chilean law.
Valdés said:
“It is one of the main challenges facing the industry. Online betting is illegal, no one doubts that and all the authorities have confirmed it.”
According to the deal, the first division football league will now be named Campeonato Betsson for the current season.
However, Deputy Marco Antonio Sulantay, who advocates for a ban on sports betting advertisements in football, declared the agreement illegal shortly after its announcement.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.