Viña del Mar casino workers face uncertainty after Enjoy exit

The decision to approve Enjoy’s early resignation from the Casino de Viña del Mar has triggered a transition period in which the operator must continue running the venue for the next three years. 

During this time, the company remains bound by all economic, legal and regulatory obligations, including the preservation of jobs.

Currently, around 650 workers are employed at the property. According to Diego Valerio, President of Chile’s National Federation of Casino and Hotel Unions and President of the Casino de Viña del Mar Union, this number falls short of the 1,241 direct jobs originally proposed during the last concession process. 

He emphasised that employees’ main concern is the safeguarding of their positions, stating: “Our greatest concern is that the principle of labor continuity is enshrined in future bidding processes. So far, we have encountered resistance from the Superintendence of Gambling Casinos to put this in writing.”

Good to know: Enjoy relinquished its operating permit for Casino del Mar earlier this year

Beyond job security, the operator’s exit also raises fiscal concerns. The municipality of Viña del Mar faces an estimated annual loss of over CLP30bn, underlining the importance of casino-generated tax revenues in local budgets.

The next licensing process is expected to be closely scrutinised, with unions, local authorities and regulators debating how best to balance municipal finances, community needs and employment protections.

Carlos Mendez

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