The Superintendence of Casinos (SCJ) is set to hold a public hearing for operators who want a permit to open a casino in Chile.
The Superintendent and his technical team will accept bids starting April 20 at 11 a.m., for potential casinos in the areas of Arica, Iquique, Coquimbo, Vina del Mar, Pucon, Puerto Varas and Natales.
Casino operators who will apply for a permit must pass the final basis before they can start the approval process, according to the SCJ.
“Under this new legal framework, areas of discretion when deliver permits are reduced, so we hope to achieve [an] objective, transparent process and ensure greater revenue collection for the Treasury, regions and communities,” said Superintendent of Casinos Daniel Garcia in a statement.
Technical bids will only be accepted until April 24.
After receiving the technical offers, the SCJ will conduct a review of the technical background of the project as well as verify if it complies with the special conditions set, and if the operator has sufficient funds to push through with the project.
A further review may be needed for some of the applicants, but once this is completed, the council will hold a hearing to open the financial offers of those who have passed the initial evaluation. Granting or refusal of permits will occur within five days from the date when the council opened the financial offer.
Chile has more than 12 popular casinos operating in the country, spread out in over 10 cities. Currently, the largest casino is located in Vina del Mar, which offers more than 90 table games and has over 1,500 gaming and slot machines. Coquimbo, on the other hand, has two casinos, four slot machines, and 10 table games.
Chile suspended its tendering process in 2005 due to a legal action from Thunderbird gaming, whose six license applications were rejected.
