Chile’s Casino Monticello Reopens

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Well-attended grand reopening has management optimistic

On June 30, just over four months after Chile experienced a deadly 8.8-magnitude earthquake, the Casino Monticello at San Francisco de Mostazal reopened with more than 3,500 guests in attendance.

“I never expected so many people to turn out; the numbers are spectacular,” said George  Garcelon, general manager of Casino Monticello and World of Entertainment.

According to Chilean news source El Tipógrafo, Garcelon also emphasized that the VIP lounge had been completely renovated, with gaming tables and other innovations.

Before reopening, Casino Monticello repaired all damage and added another 50 slots, bringing the total number of gaming machines to 1,560. A spokesman for the casino estimates it will take three or four months to make up the losses suffered during the four months of inactivity.

While the Monticello was closed, many players reportedly shifted their play to the nearby Enjoy property, Casino Vina del Mar. According to one report at website dominicanosdespierten.com, Vina del Mar recorded an increase in visitors of 40 percent in the month of April. The Enjoy casino was said to be developing a strategy to retain as many of these players as possible.

In any case, Casino Monticello seems poised for a comeback. The hotel had reservations for all 150 rooms for the weekend following the reopening.