Chilean Casinos Generate $444.7 Million Through September 2026
Chile.- 6 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Chile’s Superintendence of Gaming Casinos (SCJ) has released the industry’s financial and operational results for the first nine months of 2026.
According to the published figures, the country’s 25 operating casinos generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of CLP402.76 billion ($444.7 million).
The report also highlights declining visitor numbers and lower tax contributions in real terms, reflecting challenges facing the land-based casino sector.
Financial Results Across 25 Casinos
Gross gaming revenue was distributed across two categories of establishments:
- 22 casinos authorised under Law 19,995: CLP373.60 billion ($412.5 million).
- Three municipal casinos: CLP29.16 billion ($32.2 million).
- Industry total: CLP402.76 billion ($444.7 million).
Casinos operating under Law 19,995 accounted for approximately 93% of total industry revenue.
The figures cover the period from January to September 2026.
Casino Visits Decline by 11.25%
The 22 casinos regulated under Law 19,995 recorded 4,067,872 visits during the first nine months of the year.
This represents an 11.25% decline compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
Despite lower attendance, average spending per visit reached approximately CLP91,841 ($101.4), representing a 3.82% increase in real terms.
The figures indicate that although fewer customers visited the casinos, average individual spending increased.
Tax Contributions Reach CLP141.33 Billion
The 22 casinos authorised under Law 19,995 generated CLP141.33 billion in accumulated tax obligations through September.
This represents a real-term decline of 8.46% compared with the same period last year.
The amount was divided into:
- Specific gaming tax: CLP61.69 billion.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): CLP59.52 billion.
- Casino admission tax: CLP20.12 billion.
Revenue from the specific gaming tax is distributed between regional governments and municipalities, while other taxes are allocated according to the applicable legislation.
Economic Bids Generate CLP54.37 Billion
In addition to tax contributions, the SCJ reported CLP54.37 billion collected through economic bids by September.
These payments arise from financial commitments made by casino operators when obtaining their licences.
The funds are administered by Chile’s General Treasury and subsequently transferred to the relevant municipalities.
Distribution follows the timetable established for the specific gaming tax.
Tax Revenue Declines in Real Terms
The report highlights a decrease in government revenue associated with casino operations.
The 8.46% real-term decline in tax contributions presents challenges for public authorities receiving a proportion of these funds.
Municipalities and regional governments use gambling-related revenue to support development initiatives and public projects.
The industry’s performance during the final quarter will therefore be important in determining its overall annual contribution.
Industry Impact and Outlook
The SCJ report shows declining casino attendance alongside higher average spending per visitor.
Although the industry continues generating significant economic resources, lower tax contributions in real terms raise questions about its financial trajectory.
With gross gaming revenue of $444.7 million, more than four million visits and CLP141.33 billion in tax contributions, Chile’s casino industry remains economically significant while facing declining attendance and lower real-term tax revenue.
Fourth-quarter results will provide a more complete picture of the industry’s performance throughout 2026.
Edited by: @fonta
