(AsiaGameHub) –   A significant probe in Chile has identified 910 public employees who engaged in casino gambling despite a legal prohibition. This finding was detailed in the ‘Twentieth Consolidated Circularized Information Report’ released by the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR).

The breach was uncovered through a data comparison of public servant records from the Superintendency of Gambling Casinos. The audit focused on personnel responsible for managing or protecting state funds, revealing gambling activities that violate national statutes.

According to the findings, these employees wagered more than 11.49 billion Chilean pesos between January 2024 and June 2025. Chilean legislation is very specific regarding these restrictions.

Under Law 19.995, Article 10 (B):

Individuals who, by virtue of their roles, manage or oversee public finances are strictly prohibited from participating in any form of casino gambling, whether directly or via intermediaries.

The rationale for this ban is clearly stated:

This restriction aims to protect public assets and ensure that those in positions of trust are not exposed to environments that might interfere with their professional obligations.

The data indicates that a small minority was responsible for the bulk of the gambling. Specifically, 181 of the 910 identified officials accounted for 96.8% of the total wagers, totaling over 11.118 billion pesos.

Furthermore, just 20 individuals were responsible for 5.392 billion pesos in bets. This group included a Chilean Air Force member who allegedly wagered 1.04 billion pesos. The scale of these transactions has sparked concerns regarding potential criminal conduct beyond administrative violations.

The CGR remarked:

The substantial volume of bets placed by the most active gamblers suggests that criminal offenses may have occurred.

Consequently, the CGR has requested that the State Defense Council and the Public Prosecutor’s Office evaluate the necessity of launching criminal investigations.

Additionally, 371 government agencies associated with the individuals involved have been notified. These include the Air Force, the national and investigative police, the Treasury, and various municipal governments.

The CGR directed:

These organizations are required to investigate the conduct of the implicated staff and implement appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include termination of employment.

The names of the 910 officials have also been shared with the Superintendency of Gambling Casinos, allowing the regulator to pursue further oversight or legal action as required.

This situation underscores the difficulties authorities face in enforcing gambling bans for public servants and could have major implications for government transparency and accountability in Chile.