Despite recent strike problems in Argentina, Spanish company CIRSA is aiming to invest further in Latin America and get into Chile in a big way. It is the company that has presented the most projects, seven in all, and is intending to invest the most – up to US$210 million. CIRSA was founded in 1978 in Barcelona and now has a presence in 64 countries and a workforce of around 15,000.

CIRSA Chile has applied for 7 of Chile’s 17 new casino licences, and each one comes with full complex facilities which vary according to region. Antofagasta, Calama, Copiapó, Rancagua, Hualpén Concepción, Temuco and Punta Arenas are all in line for a Majestic or Fantastic brand casino, should the company be successful in its bids. Strategic alliances have been formed with hotel operators Radisson, Chile’s top convention centre specialist Espacio Riesco, and Spa Balthaus.

In all seven regions, 1% of future casino revenue has been earmarked for the development of sport amongst the young. Sports centres and museums are integral parts of many of the projects in Chile, and some include plans for cultural, health and/or shopping centres. In all, CIRSA hopes to create 3,940 new jobs around the country. The CIRSA Chile projects were amongst 48 submitted last August to the Superintendencia de Casinos, and in Antofagasta alone the company is competing with four other companies.

The casino law in Chile will permit no more than 3 casinos in any region, none in the Metropolitan Region around the capital Santiago, and there must be a minimum 70 kilometres between them. The licences will be valid for 15 years and a 20% casino tax will be levied on gaming revenue, half of it going to the municipality where the casino is located. (E-03.24.06)

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