Chile: Pucón Sets Conditions for the New Casino Operator

Chile.– December 11, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com The Municipality of Pucón outlines a series of requirements for the next casino operator following Enjoy’s withdrawal. The conditions aim to secure local jobs, ensure investment and create infrastructure that benefits the community.

Overview

The Municipality of Pucón, led by Mayor Sebastián Álvarez, presents a formal proposal of conditions to be included in the upcoming tender for the local casino. The initiative follows Enjoy’s decision to relinquish its operating rights, prompting the need for a new licensing process. Pucón seeks to ensure that whoever assumes the operation contributes directly to the social and economic development of the community.

These proposed conditions will be reviewed by the national regulator, which must determine their viability and submit them to the final decision-making body before the official launch of the tender. For the municipality, this transition period is an opportunity to establish a new standard of operation that reinforces cultural, employment and investment frameworks in the region.

Details / Context

Pucón’s casino has long been a pillar of the local economy and a key attraction for tourism. Although Enjoy’s withdrawal will only become fully effective within a timeframe of up to three years, the municipality seeks to ensure that the next operator maintains continuity, safeguards employment and commits to meaningful investments.

Among the conditions proposed is a financial guarantee designed to ensure that the company awarded the contract has the economic strength necessary to meet its commitments. Additionally, the municipality proposes the construction of a multipurpose event hall with significant capacity, intended to support community activities, cultural events and corporate gatherings.

The proposal also includes labor protections: specifically, that the new operator retain at least 80% of the casino’s current workforce. This aims to minimize disruption to local employment and preserve operational stability during the transition.

Specific Subtopics

🔹 Financial guarantee

A minimum guarantee of 60,000 UF is proposed to ensure the selected company can fulfill contractual obligations, deliver promised investments and uphold operational standards.

🔹 Event and cultural infrastructure

The requirement to build a 1,500-capacity modular event hall is central to the municipality’s vision for expanding Pucón’s cultural and tourism offering. This facility is expected to become a new hub for local and regional events.

🔹 Job protection

By requesting that 80% of current employees be retained, the municipality aims to preserve livelihoods and avoid labor instability. This measure seeks to ensure continuity and community alignment.

🔹 Strategic alignment with local development

The municipality emphasizes that the new operator must understand the casino not only as a commercial venture but as an integral component of Pucón’s long-term planning. Investment, social responsibility and territorial integration are highlighted as core expectations.

🔹 Role of the regulator

The Superintendence is responsible for evaluating the municipality’s proposals and determining how they will be reflected in the final tender documents. The governing council will make the definitive decision before the tender scheduled for 2026.

Future Outlook

The upcoming tender for Pucón’s casino is expected to be a landmark process in Chile’s gaming sector. The municipality aims to secure a partner capable of boosting tourism, expanding cultural capacity and safeguarding local employment. The transition marks a pivotal moment in redefining the role of the casino within the community.

Throughout 2026, attention will focus on how the regulator integrates the conditions proposed by the municipality and how the market responds. The process is seen locally as a chance to modernize the casino and align it more closely with the community’s aspirations.

🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com