Former Enjoy Casino in Pucón Sparks Mall Conversion Debate Among Local Authorities
2026-07-28
Source: Global Gaming Insider
A proposal to convert the former Enjoy casino building in Pucón, Chile, into a mall has sparked conflict between the mayor and municipal officials, who say zoning rules oblige approval. Meanwhile, a separate tender for a new 15-year casino licence is underway with a minimum bid of UF43,000.
A plan to turn the former Enjoy casino in downtown Pucón, Chile, into a shopping centre has triggered a dispute between the town's mayor and municipal officials over how the property should be used.
Mayor Sebastián Álvarez has voiced opposition to the project, but the municipal administration maintains that it cannot legally block the application as long as it meets local zoning rules. Municipal administrator Sergio Núñez noted that the owner has filed a request with the planning department to regularise the site. He added that the building lies in Zone Z-1, where commercial and warehousing uses are permitted, meaning approval is mandatory if all regulatory conditions are satisfied.
The property, located at the intersection of Ansorena and Pedro de Valdivia streets, housed Enjoy's casino operations until 2023.
Álvarez argued that the site would bring more benefit to Pucón if redeveloped as a recreational venue or a higher-end commercial destination, pointing to Santiago's Mercado Urbano Tobalaba as a reference. He also disclosed that the municipality had considered moving its own offices into the building, but dropped the idea after finding the requested rent excessive. Instead, the administration will relocate to premises in the Los Álamos sector.
Julio Pablaza, president of Pucón's Chamber of Tourism, expressed conditional support, stating that any business adhering to regulations should be welcome, but stressed that future projects should align with the town's tourism-driven character.
Separately, Chile's Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego is running a fresh tender for a 15-year casino licence in Pucón, following the surrender of the concession by Enjoy subsidiary Casino del Lago. Bids must include a minimum economic offer of approximately UF43,000 (Unidad de Fomento, the country's inflation-indexed unit) and are due by August 11.