Payment processors challenge Polla Chilena at Central Bank
The conflict over control of the betting market in Chile has escalated into an open judicial confrontation. Following the recent lawsuit filed by Polla Chilena de Beneficencia against the main payment gateways, the fintech sector and online platforms have not been slow to respond. Far from backing down, companies like ProntoPaga and Kushki, supported by the Chilean Association of Online Betting Platforms (aPAL), have counterattacked, calling the accusations of money laundering and illicit association baseless and defending the legality of their technological infrastructure.
The central argument of the payment processors is the validity of free economic activity and compliance with international financial standards. ProntoPaga was categorical in stating that cross-border payment processing for digital merchants is a lawful activity in Chile. The firm not only recalled that similar investigations were closed in 2025 without charges but also accused the state-owned company of using the judicial system to try to maintain a dominant market position against the inevitable technological transformation of the sector.
The battle for legal certainty
In a strategic move to protect its operations, ProntoPaga confirmed that it has taken the conflict to the 18th Civil Court of Santiago, filing a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Chile. The objective of this action is to obtain a judicial ratification that recognizes its status as an authorized sub-acquirer and validates the legality of processing payments for digital entertainment services, including betting. This step seeks to force a legal definition that ends the "legal vacuum" that Polla Chilena has used as the basis for its offensive.
For his part, Carlos Baeza, aPAL's representative, reinforced this position by insisting that, as long as there is no specific criminal classification prohibiting online betting, complementary services such as advertising or payment systems cannot be criminally prosecuted. According to the industry's view, Polla Chilena's lawsuits are nothing more than an attack against the financial infrastructure that allows competition in a market that is still awaiting modern regulation from Congress.
Technology and compliance as a defense
Companies like Kushki have opted for operational prudence, reiterating their role as providers of technological infrastructure that operate under strict regulatory frameworks. The common defense of the sector highlights that they have AML/CFT (anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism) processes, enhanced know-your-customer controls, and voluntary registrations with the Financial Analysis Unit (UAF).
This confrontation shows that the resolution of the conflict in Chile no longer depends solely on legislative will, but on a complex battle in civil and criminal courts. While Polla Chilena tries to cut off the flow of funds to international platforms, payment processors are determined to demonstrate that technology and financial innovation cannot be criminalized under interpretations of gambling laws designed in the last century.
Tags: Chile, ProntoPaga, La Polla Chilena