The Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia (TDLC) has granted Grupo Meier, a Peruvian casino operator active in Chile, the status of third-party intervener in the ongoing collusion case against major casino companies Dreams, Enjoy, and Marina del Sol.
In October 2024, the Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE) accused these three companies of colluding to manipulate the outcomes of casino operating license tenders conducted between 2020 and 2021. The FNE's investigation revealed that the companies allegedly agreed to bid only for the renewal of their existing licenses, thereby avoiding competition and submitting lower economic offers than would have emerged in a competitive process.
Chilean Casino Giants Reject Grupo Meier’s Legal Intervention in Collusion Case
Grupo Meier, through its subsidiaries Casino de Juego del Mar S.A., Casino de Juego del Maule S.A., and Casino de Juego de Talca S.A., petitioned the TDLC to join the proceedings. The group contends that the alleged collusion prevented fair competition, adversely affecting their opportunities in the market.
The TDLC, in its March 10, 2025 resolution, acknowledged that the nature of casino license tenders involves the allocation of long-term monopolies. It recognized Grupo Meier's participation in past tenders and its interest in future ones, should the contested licenses be revoked. Consequently, the tribunal admitted Grupo Meier's subsidiaries as third-party interveners supporting the FNE's allegations.
Previously, Dreams, Enjoy, and Marina del Sol opposed Grupo Meier's intervention, labeling the accusations as unfounded and unrelated to the FNE's claims. However, the TDLC's decision underscores the potential impact of the alleged collusion on competitors like Grupo Meier.
This development signifies a pivotal moment in Chile's casino industry, as the inclusion of Grupo Meier may influence the proceedings and outcomes of the collusion case.
