Chile Casino Regulator Enters Major Tender Week With Key Posts Vacant
The Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego (SCJ) has operated without a permanent superintendent since February. Vivien Villagrán left after completing the maximum three terms allowed under Chile’s senior public management system. Eduardo Cáceres, previously head of the regulator’s inspection division, has served as acting superintendent since then.
Senior Posts Remain Unfilled
A second senior vacancy opened in May when Carlos Arriagada completed his term as head of the Authorization Division. Another change is due in September, when Legal Division chief Manuel Zárate is expected to finish his own maximum term.
The SCJ says it has taken measures to maintain continuity and that supervision, regulation, sanctions and other functions continue normally. A permanent superintendent is to be selected through the national civil service process linked to the Finance Ministry.
Four Casino Tenders Reach a Key Stage
The vacancies arrive during an active period for casino licensing. Technical and economic offers for new operating permits in Iquique, Coquimbo, Viña del Mar and Pucón are scheduled to be presented on August 11.
The timetable remained in place after Chile’s Competition Tribunal rejected requests to suspend the processes. The four tenders have already generated legal challenges and revisions to their technical terms, adding pressure around decisions that could reshape several established casino markets. The SCJ is also handling a separate licensing process in Puerto Varas.
New AML Rules Start in October
At the same time, the SCJ and Chile’s Financial Analysis Unit have issued a new joint compliance framework for casinos. UAF Circular No. 63, also issued as SCJ Circular No. 150, takes effect on October 1.
The rules introduce a risk-based approach to money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. Casinos must apply customer due diligence according to risk, maintain electronic records, monitor politically exposed persons and document suspicious-transaction reviews. Enhanced checks can include requests for information about the source of a customer’s funds and wealth.
The framework covers Chile’s casino sector, which currently consists of 22 venues operating under Law No. 19.995 and three municipal casinos.
Capacity Will Be Tested by Execution
The obvious question is whether the SCJ can manage several senior leadership changes without slowing the decision-making process. With casino tenders due in August and the new compliance rules taking effect in October, there is little room for disruption. If permanent appointments are delayed, acting officials will carry much of the responsibility during a period when regulatory decisions could have lasting commercial and legal consequences for Chile’s casino industry.