Dreams and MDS Seek Halt to Four Casino Tenders
Chile.- 15 July 2026 www.zonadeazar.com Dreams and Marina del Sol (MDS Casinos) have asked Chile’s Competition Tribunal (TDLC) to suspend casino operating licence tenders in Iquique, Viña del Mar, Coquimbo and Pucón. The operators argue that several tender conditions could discourage participation and restrict competition.
News Details
The companies filed separate objections relating to each process and requested that the tenders should not be completed before the tribunal rules on their concerns. The action follows the TDLC’s decision to reverse the temporary suspension of the Viña del Mar casino tender.
The tribunal concluded that information submitted by the Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ) indicated that the potential competition risks were less significant than initially considered. However, it allowed the parties to submit additional evidence until 21 July 2026.
Dreams argued that suspending the tenders would not prejudge the substance of the dispute but would ensure that any final decision remained effective. The operators warned that granting 15-year concessions before the claims are resolved could create substantial costs if the processes later had to be reversed.
Industry Context
For Iquique, the companies challenged requirements to transfer the property without compensation at the end of the operating term, retain all existing gaming employees and complete infrastructure projects unrelated to the casino operation.
In Coquimbo, they objected to high minimum investment commitments, predetermined additional works and an irrevocable option allowing the municipality to purchase the property at a price to be established later.
Regarding Viña del Mar, the operators cited uncertainty over construction schedules, full workforce continuity requirements and compulsory tourism improvements. In Pucón, they challenged the obligation to retain all gaming staff and carry out additional tourism infrastructure projects.
Statements
A filing submitted by Dreams’ legal representatives stated:
“The suspension can be imposed effectively without affecting rights already acquired by third parties or altering stages of the process that have already been completed.”
The operators also argued that the tender terms contain anti-competitive elements and could reduce the number of interested bidders while encouraging lower financial offers because of the increased risk and reduced economic attractiveness of the projects.
Next Steps or Impact
The TDLC will assess the additional submissions before deciding whether to suspend the four tender processes. Its ruling could affect the concession timetable and establish important competition standards for future municipal casino tenders in Chile.
Edited by: @_fonta
