Chile’s Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ) has initiated a detailed process for granting new casino operating permits, offering businesses an opportunity to participate in the country’s evolving gaming industry. The announcement comes as permits held by Casino de Juegos Coyhaique SA and Rantrur S.A. are set to expire in April and May of 2027, respectively. This decision marks a crucial phase in Chile’s casino industry, with clear deadlines, regulations, and opportunities for interested applicants.

The SCJ issued Exempt Resolutions No. 929 and No. 913, dated December 4 and December 2, 2024, respectively, to outline the new bidding process. These resolutions define specific steps, deadlines, and regulations for operators aiming to secure permits for regional and national casino establishments.

Application guidelines and deadlines:

Applicants interested in the Aysén Region must submit their proposals by April 21, 2025, during an official hearing held at the SCJ headquarters in Santiago. For nationwide permits, submissions are due earlier, on April 14, 2025, at the same venue. This timeline allows 90 business days for applicants to prepare their technical and economic proposals following the SCJ’s announcement.

During the initial ten business days, applicants can request clarifications or submit inquiries regarding the technical bases, SCJ stated in a press release. For Aysén Region permits, these inquiries can be sent via email to consultasprocesoaysen@scj.gob.cl. The SCJ has committed to responding to all queries within 15 business days, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all participants.

To facilitate the process, applicants can download the technical bases, the Casino Operating Permit Application System (SOPO), and its user manual from the SCJ’s official website. These resources provide comprehensive details about submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and compliance with national gaming laws.

The SCJ has set clear restrictions and requirements for casino operations to ensure balanced development across Chile. Each region is allowed a maximum of three casinos and a minimum of one, with the exception of the Metropolitan Region, where no casinos are permitted. Additionally, all casinos must maintain a minimum distance of 70 kilometers from one another, regardless of regional borders.

This initiative is designed to prevent over-concentration in specific areas while encouraging equitable distribution of gaming establishments nationwide. The SCJ emphasized that applicants are free to propose projects in any municipality within the parameters of these regulations, offering flexibility to those interested in entering Chile’s gaming market.

Background and industry developments:

This bidding round follows the SCJ’s decision in October 2024 to reject two proposals for a casino in the Castro commune of the Los Lagos Region. The offers presented by Inversiones y Turismo Chiloé S.A. and Rantrur S.A. were denied after failing to meet the required evaluation standards.

With this new process, the SCJ seeks to foster a more competitive and transparent environment for casino operations. Superintendent Vivien Villagrán has reiterated the importance of upholding high standards for technical and economic offers, ensuring that new projects align with the country’s gaming policies and regional development goals.

The current bidding opportunity represents a critical moment for the industry, as businesses can secure their presence in a regulated market that prioritizes fairness and economic growth. The SCJ has underscored its commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability in casino operations, making this process a significant milestone in Chile’s gaming sector.

Interested applicants can access all necessary documents, including the technical bases and SOPO system, directly from the SCJ’s official website. These resources are available until April 20, 2025, for regional permits, allowing sufficient time for preparation.

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the guidelines and submit comprehensive proposals that meet the SCJ’s stringent criteria. The process highlights Chile’s dedication to maintaining a robust and well-regulated gaming industry that balances growth with responsible gaming practices.