Supplier News

Chile – Chile’s casinos record small decrease in August

By Phil - 17 October 2016

Gaming revenue decreased slightly in August this year compared to the same month last year but continue to grow overall according to statistics released by the Chilean Gaming Control Board (SJC).

In August gross gaming income stood at U$S40,756,287 pesos a decrease of 1.7 per cent compared to August 2015. However, the sector has reported a cumulative growth rate of 4.2 per cent over the last twelve months.

In August the 16 municipalities and 11 regions where the casinos are located received a total of $4,380bn in gaming tax revenue while casinos generated an additional $1.433bn in tax on entrance fees for the state. On top of this amount the casinos also generated $4.281bn in gaming VAT. Visitors to the casinos spent on average $60,145 each – 3.0 percent more than in August 2015 and recorded a cumulative annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent.

In terms of gross gaming income generated by the casinos, the Sun Monticello came in first place with 26.7 per cent ($7.151 bn). This was followed by Casino Rinconada 14.0 per cent ($3.759 bn). Marina del Sol Talcahuano 12.3 per cent ($3.286 bn). Enjoy Antofagasta 9.2 per cent ($2.469 bn). Dreams Temuco 7.0 per cent ($1.887bn). Dreams Punta Arenas 5.4 per cent ($1.445 bn). Marina del Sol Calama 4.0 per cent ($1.061bn). Dreams Valdivia 3.6 per cent ($977 bn). Antay Casino & Hotel 3.4 per cent ($916m). Gran Casino de Talca 3.3 per cent ($893m). Marina del Sol Osorno 2.7 per cent ($735m). Casino de Juegos del Pacífico 2.3 per cent ($627m). Casino de Colchagua 1.9 per cent ($509m). Dreams Coyhaique 1.5 per cent ($405m). Casino Gran Los Ángeles 1.5 per cent ($391m). Enjoy Chiloé 1.1 per cent ($300m).
According to the latest statistics released by the SJC, the 10,288 slot machines in August handed out an average of 93.8 per cent of the stake. While the total bets made on slot machines stood at $343,472,000 the prizes handed out stood at $322,117,000 leaving a total win for the casinos of $21,345m.

While revenue is up slightly year on year the figures will increase significantly when the SJC releases its next round of figures next month as it will take into account income generated by the Ovalle Casino Resort S.A which opened its doors to the public on August 13.

The casino is authorised to operate for fifteen years and features 230 slot machines 13 gaming tables and 60 bingo seats. Total investment in the project stands at US$50m, making it one of the highest private investments ever in the history of Ovalle.

Representatives of the Spanish Argentine group Ovalle Casino Resort SA (Boldt from Argentina and Grupo Peralada from Spain) won the rights to operate the final (non municipal) casino licence in Chile in September 2013. The awarding of the licence ended a yearlong process during which Ovalle Casino Resort had gradually emerged as firm favourites to win. The group scored a total of 1,825.79 points out of a possible 2,000 points which were available during the tender process after Casino Austria, which initially owned the licence, abandoned the project in 2012.