Local councilors and community leaders in Castro, Chile are calling on the municipality to take an active role in securing the future of the city's casino following the failure of a competing bid in nearby Ancud.
The Superintendence of Casinos and Gaming (SCJ) declared a casino license tender for Ancud deserted last week after Sociedad Mirador Hueihuén failed to meet requirements for the approximately $7m concession. The development creates uncertainty for Castro's Enjoy Chiloé casino, whose operating license expires in May 2027.
Enjoy Chiloé did not participate in the most recent tender but competed in a 2024 licensing process that was ultimately canceled by the superintendence after detecting non-compliance issues in the proposal.
The SCJ indicated it will launch a new permitting process for the Ancud slot without defined timelines, raising concerns among local authorities about potential loss of revenue and employment.
Councilor Ignacio Álvarez from the Socialist Party submitted a formal request Monday asking the Castro municipality to abandon any passive stance and publicly express political will to retain the casino. Fellow Councilor Jorge Bórquez noted that SCJ officials indicated the casino could continue operating until a new permit is awarded if the operator wishes to do so.
Bórquez said the casino generates employment, tourism and revenue for the municipality, funds that by law must be allocated to infrastructure investments that directly benefit Castro.
Julio Candia, President of the Castro Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, said the organization has maintained conversations with both the company and national sector representatives. Candia indicated the municipality and council must seek dialogue alternatives and approaches with stakeholders, noting the chamber stands ready to facilitate cooperation.
Mayor Baltazar Elgueta said the municipality previously held conversations with the SCJ and expressed surprise at the deserted Ancud tender, adding that officials remain calm as the Castro casino continues operating while evaluating next steps.
Enjoy Chiloé has operated the Castro casino under a 15-year concession granted in 2012, which is set to expire in May 2027
