Key Moments:
- Senator Francisco Huenchumilla has introduced a proposal to create a new casino in the Malleco province of La Araucanía.
- The project models shared administration between the Mapuche People’s Council and private owners, inspired by indigenous casino frameworks abroad.
- The initiative intends to drive job creation, promote tourism, and direct gaming tax revenues to the region’s most disadvantaged municipalities.
Innovative Partnership Structure Proposed
Senator Francisco Huenchumilla of the Christian Democratic Party has put forward a plan to establish a new casino in the Malleco province, situated near Cordillera de Nahuelbuta in La Araucanía. Unlike the casinos already located in Temuco and Pucón, this concept introduces a novel approach: shared governance between the Mapuche People’s Council and private industry participants.
Drawing inspiration from casino models employed internationally by indigenous communities, the proposal seeks to empower the Mapuche through direct operational involvement and control. Senator Huenchumilla has noted, “Our idea is borrowed from international experience, particularly from U.S. law, where over 500 tribes have benefited through concessions, spurring economic development, reducing poverty, and local identity“, the senator detailed. He has also stated that, “We want a real difference“, he stated. “The revenues must directly benefit the poorest municipalities, and the Mapuche People’s Council must hold the concession, with autonomy to ally with national or international operators.”
Socioeconomic Impact for the Region
The region of La Araucanía has long struggled with economic and social disparities. By establishing the casino, local leaders aim to use the venue to stimulate job growth in tourism and hospitality, along with related support sectors. The project is positioned to drive much-needed tax revenue toward infrastructure and social initiatives for the area’s most underserved communities.
Offering the Mapuche both ownership interests and a say in operational matters is intended to bolster their cultural identity while advancing widespread economic opportunity. The proposal aligns with broader objectives in the national conversation around economic inclusion for indigenous populations.
Obstacles and Regulatory Hurdles
Moving the project forward will require navigating regulatory approval processes, assessing environmental considerations, and verifying compliance with existing gaming legislation in Chile. Key parties likely to be involved include the Superintendence of Casinos (SCJ), local government bodies, and representatives of the Mapuche community.
Despite these challenges, the project stands out as a tangible move towards economic collaboration and reconciliation. By championing shared management and fair distribution of benefits, Senator Huenchumilla is helping establish a framework that could set a model for future partnerships between state institutions, private enterprises, and indigenous peoples.
A Model for Inclusive Growth
At its core, the proposed casino seeks to blend tradition with progress, giving the Mapuche a central stake in the region’s economic future. The venture offers a promising path to a more equitable and thriving La Araucanía, as well as a strengthened Mapuche nation.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposing Entity | Senator Francisco Huenchumilla (Christian Democratic Party) |
| Location | Malleco province, La Araucanía |
| Partners | Mapuche People’s Council & private owners |
| Intended Effects | Job creation, tourism growth, fair tax distribution |
| Inspirational Model | International indigenous casino governance |
- Author
Daniel Williams
