Chile: Puerto Montt cracks down on illegal casinos lacking municipal licenses

Local authorities have initiated the closure of unlicensed casinos in Puerto Montt, Chile, as part of a wider municipal effort to enhance public safety, enforce business regulations and reduce street-level disorder.

In collaboration with the Municipal Public Security Department and the Carabineros, Chile’s national police force, the city shut down an illegal gambling venue located at Urmeneta 465.

This is one of the largest gambling scenes in Puerto Montt and more than 50 gaming machines were found in operation without the necessary permits to be used.

“Today we begin the closure of illegal casinos that lack municipal licenses,” stated Mayor Rodrigo Wainraihgt Galilea. 

“This action is in line with the ordinance that bans street vending in the city centre. We want a more orderly, safer and cleaner city,” he continued.

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This iniative aligns with the broader Regional Security Plan of Los Lagos, which requires municipalities to implement specific ordinances on licensing and public safety to access government security funding.

The initiative builds on measures introduced in January 2025 to prohibit unauthorised street vending. 

Since then, local authorities report a measurable reduction in victimisation rates among registered business owners, with figures dropping from 57.2% to 53.0%.

Carlos Mendez

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