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Casino del Mar has been allowed to give up its licence early, with measures in place to protect jobs and secure the city’s revenue.
The Resolving Council of the Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ) has approved a request from Casino del Mar in Viña del Mar to relinquish its operating permit before the end of its term.
The ruling, made under a clause in Chile’s 2015 gaming law, gives operators a way to resign their licences without disrupting operations, provided strict conditions are met.
Jobs and local economy protected
For the city, the priority is stability.
The decision guarantees that the casino will continue to run during the transition, protecting the jobs of its 589 employees and safeguarding the wider network of tourism and local businesses that depend on the venue.
Financial obligations remain unchanged. Over the next three years, the casino is projected to contribute more than $65.5bn, including $29.2bn from gaming taxes, $27.7bn from VAT, and $8.6bn from entry fees.
The municipality will also continue to receive its guaranteed annual economic offer of 831,123 UF, ensuring a steady stream of funds to support public services and local development.
Officials leading the approval included Heidi Berner, Undersecretary of Finance and Council President, Verónica Pardo, Undersecretary of Tourism, and Solange Berstein, President of the Financial Market Commission.
The vote was not unanimous, with Governor of Valparaíso Rodrigo Mundaca opposing the motion, and Francisca Perales, Undersecretary of Regional Development, abstaining.
Opening the door to new bidders
The resignation is permanent.
Under the law, Casino del Mar and its parent company will not be able to reapply for the same licence. This clears the way for new operators to enter the market.
A new bidding process will now be launched, requiring applicants to present not just financial bids but also plans for investment in tourism infrastructure, guarantees for employee retention, and long-term economic contributions.
Both the regional government and the municipality will play a role in the evaluation, ensuring that future projects align with local priorities.
A city shaped by gaming and tourism
Viña del Mar, often called the “Garden City”, is one of Chile’s best-known seaside destinations. Its casino has long been a landmark, attracting both domestic and international visitors and feeding into the city’s reputation as a hub for entertainment and culture.
Keeping the casino open during the transition was seen as essential. Any disruption could have affected the hospitality sector, local suppliers, and the many seasonal events that bring visitors to the area. By approving the early resignation while maintaining operations, regulators balanced the need for oversight with the economic reality of a city tied closely to gaming and tourism.
A wider regulatory trend
Chile’s move reflects a broader global shift.
Regulators in other jurisdictions are tightening supervision while allowing space for market renewal. Recently, Annexio surrendered its Isle of Man B2C licence, and in the Netherlands, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has stepped up oversight of operator databases to ensure accuracy and accountability.
For Chile, the Viña del Mar case sets a precedent. It shows that early licence resignations can be managed in a way that protects both the state’s revenue and the community’s interests, while opening the door to new investment.
What comes next
For now, the casino stays open, jobs are safe, and revenue flows continue.
But attention is already turning to the bidding process, which could reshape the city’s gaming landscape.
Whether a new operator enters with fresh infrastructure projects or a focus on tourism growth, the outcome will be closely watched. For Viña del Mar, the balance remains the same: protecting workers, sustaining tourism, and keeping gaming as a central pillar of the local economy.
Source: Gambling Insider
