Casinos Austria International expands into Chile

Vienna/Los Angeles, Chile, 24 July 2006 – Casinos Austria International’s (CAI) latest expansion step into Chile takes the company further south than ever before. In mid-July 2006, the Vienna-based international casino development and management company was awarded the license to develop and operate a casino in the central Chilean city of Los Angeles. CAI‘s integrity, know-how and 30-year’s experience as an international casino operator were key factors in the selection of the Austrian bid following a multi-phase tender process.

Casino Gran Los Angeles is due to open in 2007 with a floorspace of 1,300 square meters and will offer 12 gaming tables, 200 slot machines and 40 Bingo seats, as well as a top restaurant, bar and VIP lounge. The casino complex will also include a 4-star spa hotel with on-site conference facilities for up to 500 people.

The total investment will be around 10 million euro. Partnering Casinos Austria International in the project will be the Penta Group (banks, hotels and real estate), one of Chile’s most important companies.

Los Angeles is the capital of the central Chilean Province of Bío-Bío. With a population of around 175,000 and conveniently located on the Pan-American Highway, the city is primarily an industrial center, but is also a popular starting point for trips to the surrounding region and the Andes. Chile is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in South America and currently has five casinos.

Casinos Austria International is a leading player in the international casino industry and has been active in the South American casino market since 1987. It currently operates four casinos in Argentina: Casino Las Leñas in the Province of Mendoza and the Boulevard Casino, Casino Salta and Golden Dreams Casino in the Province of Salta. As of July 2006, CAI and its parent company, Casinos Austria AG, operated 75 casinos in 18 countries and on board 10 luxury cruise liners. In 2005, the two companies posted revenues (wins, registered tips, entrance) of 1.17 billion euro (+17.1 ), welcomed a total of 18.5 million guests (+6.9 ) and employed around 10,400 staff (+13 %).