Over the last couple of years the number of casino licences in Chile has grown from seven to twenty-two, with another three licences at the bidding stage. Over half the estimated US$607.3 million invested in the fifteen new licensed casino projects comes from foreign groups. One such company is South African Sun International which along with Austrian Novomatic, acquired a stake in the IGGR licence for San Francisco de Mostazal. The tourist project is south of the Santiago metropolitan region.

The South African and Austrian Ambassadors to Chile have visited the site of the Mostazel Casino at the invitation of local Mayor Mirenchu Beitia. The impressive construction includes a convention centre, hotel, residential and administrative areas, activities facilities, restaurants, commercial centre and traditional crafts. The South African Ambassador Victor Zazeraj, when asked his opinion of Casino Mostazal, commented: “This investment will be a great thing for the community as I know the company Sun International and the works they have undertaken in other places. They always do things well.”

The Diplomat added there would be many benefits for the area, including direct and indirect employment and staff training. Austrian Ambassador Wolfgang Angerholzer said he was impressed by the size of the project, which he had watched develop since arriving in the country a year ago. He described the investment as probably the largest ever made by an Austrian company in Chile.

Sun International representative Mark Venning pointed out his company’s qualities. “Sun International has 28 casino hotel operations, mostly in South Africa but increasingly expanding to other countries. The Mostazal project is the biggest to date but the Company has over 50 years’ experience in this kind of casino development, which is really an entertainment centre. There are facilities for children to enjoy themselves as well as many things for all the family.”

The Mayor said she was greatly gratified by the visit of the Ambassadors as it meant a great deal to the local council and the community. She continued, “Mostazal Municipality will have the means to improve the life of the community - in education, health, roads and so much more - from the resources generated by the casino. Beyond that it is the future of our young people, who will have the opportunity to find stable employment.” (E-04.29.08)

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