Casino culture and betting increased sharply in Chile

Ramon Olfos, a local Viña del Mar resident and a regular Casino client, confirms the trend: “I did bet more money this last month at the casino,” he said. “ One reason is because the weather is getting warmer and it’s easier to spend money.  Also, the financial crisis seems to be improving world-wide and with this I am not as worried about making larger bets.”

More than 10 new casinos have opened up in Chile since 2005 due to enabling legislation which places them under the supervision of a Casino regulating body, the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juegos (SCJ).

Juan Pablo Duk, consierge for Viña del Mar Casino, said: “Each year, more and more Casinos are opening in Chile and, with this, the night-life culture in Chile is changing.  Casinos are becoming more of a viable entertainment option due to the large number which have opened over the last few years.”

“Now that the laws have changed it is much easier to open up Casinos,” he added. “This means more casinos have opened up. Also, there has been a huge increase in television and newspaper advertising for casinos, encouraging more people to visit them.”