Santiago, October 26, 2026. Contributions from licensed casinos to Chilean municipalities fell by as much as 39% between 2019 and 2025, while authorities shut down an illegal gambling establishment in Talca, resulting in ten arrests and more than 30 gambling machines being disabled. Both developments highlight the economic and regulatory pressures facing Chile's gambling industry.
According to the Chilean Casino and Gaming Association (ACCJ), chaired by Cecilia Valdés, transfers to 18 municipalities declined 12.6%, from CLP 37.692 billion to CLP 32.948 billion, representing a loss of CLP 4.744 billion.
Rinconada recorded the steepest decline, at 39%, with contributions falling from CLP 4.649 billion to CLP 2.838 billion. Other municipalities reporting decreases included Castro (34.2%), Coyhaique (31.7%), Punta Arenas (24.3%), and Talca (24%). Overall, 15 municipalities experienced lower contributions, while Arica, Los Ángeles, and Antofagasta reported increases.
Law No. 19,995 establishes a 20% specific gambling tax, distributed equally between municipalities and regional governments. In 2025, licensed casinos generated CLP 509.826 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) and CLP 194.214 billion in taxes, according to the Superintendence of Gaming Casinos (SCJ). Valdés attributed part of the downturn to illegal competition, declining visitor numbers, and regulatory restrictions, calling for legislative modernization and stronger enforcement.
Ervin Castillo
Meanwhile, on October 23, Ervin Castillo, Regional Ministerial Secretary of Labor for Maule, led an operation on 10 Oriente Street in Talca, alongside the Labor Directorate, National Migration Service, Investigative Police (PDI), and Carabineros.
The PDI arrested ten individuals, who were referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office, while more than 30 gambling machines were rendered inoperable.
Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz and Undersecretary Sebastián Vallebona are part of the government structure overseeing the sector. The SCJ remains headed by Acting Superintendent Eduardo Cáceres Guzmán. Since October 1, joint circular UAF 63–SCJ 150 has been in force, strengthening anti-money laundering obligations for licensed casinos.
