Chile: Court Rejects Injunction Against the New Dreams Casino

The Judiciary Backs the Project's Continuity

The Talca Court of Appeals dismissed, with an order to pay legal costs, the protection injunction filed to halt the construction of the new Dreams Talca Casino in the Maule region, Chile.

The decision represents another judicial setback for legal actions brought by the current Casino de Talca and the Bioecoterra group against the development, whose previous appeals and claims have also been rejected according to released background information.

During the hearing, Pedro Moya, attorney for Dreams on the Talca project, maintained that the currently operating casino must close its doors once the new facility opens. In that context, he argued that legal actions generate delays that artificially prolong the operation of the existing establishment.

Furthermore, the attorney questioned the misuse of the court system to try to block the initiative, contending that these actions pursued motives other than environmental protection.

Grounds for the Ruling

Among the arguments supporting the decision is the validity of the municipal permit granted to the project. According to the rationale presented, the Municipality acted within its authority, and no illegalities were found in its conduct.

Similarly, competent technical agencies reviewed the initiative. Both the Environmental Evaluation Service and the Directorate of Works confirmed full compliance with applicable regulations based on case records.

The Court also considered that no concrete damage attributable to the project was established, noting that Bioecoterra failed to prove that construction had harmed individuals or communities. On environmental matters, the court took into account the assessment determining that the casino would not affect the local wetland.

Another key aspect highlighted was the scope of the protection injunction—a judicial tool designed to address rights violations requiring urgent intervention. According to the grounds of the ruling, this legal channel is not intended to reopen matters that have already been examined and resolved by competent regulatory bodies.

Bioecoterra Ordered to Pay Legal Costs

The resolution included an order for Bioecoterra to pay legal costs, requiring the organization to bear the corresponding judicial expenses.

The ruling indicates that the Court saw no grounds to exempt the organization from payment—an exception courts may consider when plausible reasons to litigate exist.

The Project Advances Toward Its Opening

While the administrative process continues, the new Dreams Talca Casino is in the final inspection and reception phase. The company expects to submit the required documentation to the Gaming Casino Superintendency for review in November.

Once that procedure is completed, the facility will be able to move forward toward opening, subject to remaining administrative steps.

The initiative also encompasses job creation, internships for students in the Maule region, and new revenue streams for the municipality and region. The company maintains that the development aims to integrate into its surroundings while maintaining a sustainable relationship with the environment and the local community.

Dreams Highlights Judicial Backing for the Project

Following the decision, Pedro Moya welcomed the outcome and reaffirmed the company's position regarding full regulatory compliance.

“This ruling confirms what we have always maintained: that the project complies with all regulations and was rigorously reviewed by every technical agency. The actions against it have never sought to protect the environment, but rather to delay the arrival of a new casino that will bring employment, development, and new opportunities to Talca and Maule,” stated the attorney.

With this ruling, the project adds another favorable judicial resolution and continues its progress toward the final review of its documentation by Chile's casino regulatory authority.