Even though the Chilean government has not authorized the next phase of the resumption of economic activities, casinos are already taking steps towards a reopening. With the approval of the Superintendence of Casino Games (SCJ), the security protocol is ready to be put into practice.
According to SBC Notícias, the revision of the terms still depends on the Ministry of Health. After that, the health authorities will need to set the date for the casinos to return.
The establishments have been closed for seven months since the beginning of the social distance measures in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Nicolás Imschenetzky, president of Marina del Sol, declared that it will not be difficult to adapt to the new sanitary measures, but the casino operators want to request the release in phase 3, that is, immediately.
“A slot machine, where the customer sits and can stay between 10 minutes to 1 hour, is very easy to clean. The customer sits alone and, in addition, the machines can be placed at a sufficient distance to maintain social distance, “he said.
Imschenetzky added: “With limited capacity and adequate sanitary measures, slot machines can open perfectly in Phase 3”.
Suspension of casino activities in Chile
Henry Campos, the mayor of Talcahuano, Chile, recently met with Interior Minister Victor Pérez to suggest that cities that have stopped receiving money from casino taxes are entitled to compensation.
Campos said that this amount had already fallen in October last year due to the period of social turmoil in Chile, while the pandemic ended up compromising the financial condition of the cities. As such, municipal administrations are claiming government compensation.
“The casino’s tax revenue has a direct influence on the municipal pool that enters the community. And, in view of this, we raise an additional concern regarding these revenues that we no longer receive. We hope that the Government will apply compensation ”, he declared.
