On 7 July 2026, Chilean authorities carried out another major enforcement operation against illegal gambling in Coquimbo, seizing 90 illegal gaming machines, confiscating more than CLP 6 million in cash and arresting one individual during a raid on an unauthorized gambling venue located on Aldunate Street, opposite Paseo Empalme, in the city's downtown area. The latest operation brings the total number of illegal gaming machines removed from circulation in Coquimbo to more than 500, highlighting the municipality's sustained campaign against clandestine gambling establishments.
The raid followed a public complaint alleging that the venue was operating gambling machines without the authorization required under Law No. 19,995, Chile's Casino Gaming Act. According to Subprefect Roberto Iturra of the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI), the investigation, coordinated with the Public Prosecutor's Office, confirmed that the establishment was using commercial business licenses unrelated to gambling activities to conceal the illegal operation. Authorities subsequently seized both the gaming equipment and the cash proceeds, placing all evidence at the disposal of the judicial authorities.
The operation was conducted jointly by the PDI, the Public Security Directorate of the Municipality of Coquimbo, the Public Prosecutor's Office, municipal inspectors, the Department of Sanitation and Public Works, and the Department of Administration and Finance. Juan Diego García, Director of Public Security, stated that the municipality will continue carrying out coordinated inspections to dismantle illegal gambling venues and urged citizens to report suspected clandestine operations through the PDI, Carabineros de Chile, or the municipal emergency hotline 1420.
Authorities emphasized that this latest seizure forms part of an ongoing enforcement strategy that has already resulted in the confiscation of more than 500 illegal gaming machines across Coquimbo. The investigation remains open as prosecutors continue examining potential criminal liabilities linked to the unauthorized gambling operation and possible violations of Chile's regulated gaming framework.
