Last Thursday, 4 August 2005 was the deadline for the submission of the paperwork, with all the facts and figures required by the authorities in Chile, for casino projects around the country. One month previously companies had submitted 61 outline proposals but the final tally of projects was 48. There are 17 licences available, no more than 3 per region and none in the Santiago metropolitan area. The Superintendent of Casinos, Sr Francisco Leiva, expressed satisfaction with the number of projects that will now progress to the rigorous assessment stage of the licensing process.

The capital of Chile’s Segunda Región, Antofagasta, appears to have claimed the most interest from operators in Latin America. The city is on the coast and claims to have the clearest skies in the world, with a mere 20 days a year with any cloud. The world’s largest telescope is being built not far from Antofagasta, on Mount Paranal. Since Victorian times the city has been involved with the mining industry in the region. Five companies have put in bids to build casino complexes in Antofagasta. Cirsa and Egasa-Nervión from Spain, a Chilean consortium AM Corp, and North American firms Thunderbird Gaming and Pinnacle Entertainment have all presented their projects for the city.

The proposed investment costs in the Segunda Región is some US$267 million, which is less than the US$326 million for projects in the Biobío (Octava) Region. According to Francisco Leiva the total investment from the 48 licence applications is nearly US$1.4 billion. Apart from Antofagasta, the Segunda Región also has four projects submitted for the city of Calama, bringing to nine the number contesting the maximum three licences. The Octava Región has eight projects, two each for Concepción and Hualpén and single projects in other cities.

The Chilean Gaming Commission now has until 2 May 2006 to evaluate each project and select the 17 new licence holders that will bring the number of casinos in the country to 24. A point system has been allocated to the process, with total investment assigned up to 450 points and increased tourist offering assigned 350 points. Siting, design and quality of installations will account for up to 250 points and 150 points for socio-economic improvements for the region. Environmental considerations and transportation/public service connections will each be valued at 50 points. The 17 licences should bring around 6,250 jobs and US$500 million in investment to Chile. (E-08.10.05)

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