Pedro Álvarez-Salamanca expressed his support for initiatives that mean investment and development for the region.
Chile.- Authorities from Dreams and the Central Agricultural Trade Association presented to the regional governor of Maule, Pedro Álvarez-Salamanca, the Maule Fair Park project, which will be built on the site of the former International Fair of Talca (FITAL) and where Dreams will install a casino, with an investment of USD21m.
According to the local media Diario Talca, Álvarez-Salamanca backed the initiative: "Today we were able to learn the details of the Maule Fair Park, from its construction, operability, jobs it will provide, details of the tender award, among other things," declared the governor.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Maule Fair Park will create 500 jobs and will offer internships to students from rural technical schools associated with the Chilean Chamber of Construction and to students of Architecture and Engineering from the Autonomous University of Chile.
Álvarez-Salamanca assured that the Regional Government will always agree with initiatives that mean investment and development for the region, and emphasized that they hope that "soon the institutions in charge of the respective permits will pronounce themselves to see its feasibility."
The latter refers to the fact that the Municipality of Talca and the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism (Minvu) must determine if the structure of the former FITAL "is suitable for risk conditions and if it complies with the land use stipulated in the Communal Regulatory Plan."
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It should be remembered that the Directorate of Hydraulic Works (DOH) determined that the site in question would still be "floodable" and that Dreams' proposals to mitigate this problem would be insufficient. In light of this, the stance of both institutions regarding the project is awaited.
For his part, the Infrastructure Manager of Dreams, Raúl Ramírez, stated that "it is the duty of the company, as an incumbent party, to inform the governor of Maule about the details of the project, whose refinement and adaptation were unanimously approved by the Resolutive Council of the Superintendency of Casinos."
The president of the Central Agricultural, Luis Urrutia, said: "We always said that the land of the former Fital should be valued. Return with the fairs. That it be a space for recreation, sports, and entertainment for the Maulino family and for the most varied productive and entrepreneurial sectors" and emphasized: "For that, we needed a strategic partner. A leader in the development of projects in Chile and abroad and experts in the world of entertainment, as is Dreams."
Finally, Urrutia valued the authorization of the Resolutive Council to the latest modifications, which include construction on concrete stilts as a mitigation measure, which "demonstrates the seriousness and importance that a project like this has," according to the president of the Central Agricultural Trade Association.
The new gaming establishment will have an investment of USD21m. This ambitious plan will include a casino, a boulevard of restaurants and shops, an amphitheater for 1,500 people, a museum, and children's play areas, within the historic fairgrounds of the former Fital.
Construction is expected to begin during the first half of 2025 and the execution period is expected to be about a year and a half, approximately, so that the casino can begin to receive its visitors by the end of 2026.
The project will occupy 7,000 m², a small part of the total 90,000 m² of the fairgrounds, and aims to offer local entrepreneurs a modern space to exhibit their products and attract thousands of visitors. The project is part of a broader plan for regional development, creating jobs and contributing to local economic growth.
Dreams Maule will include a casino, an amphitheater with a capacity for 1,500 people, a boulevard with restaurants and shops, and green areas. Additionally, the project will have event halls and a museum, all designed to offer a complete entertainment experience.
An investigation into possible result manipulations in the Liga Premier MX involves Correcaminos and Real Apodaca FC.
Mexico.- Mexican football is in the midst of an unprecedented scandal after accusations surfaced about the involvement of players in sports betting, which has generated a wave of concern among executives, players, and fans. The teams involved, Real Apodaca FC and Correcaminos UAT of the Liga Premier MX, the second division, are under the scrutiny of sports authorities following strong suspicions of result manipulation.
In recent days, sports journalist Raúl Orvañanos revealed details of the alleged fixes. On February 9, 2025, Correcaminos UAT lost a match by more than two goals, which triggered a movement of USD150,000 in bets in just one minute.
On the other hand, on February 10, 2025, details emerged involving players from Real Apodaca. On this occasion, the loss in their match triggered bets totaling USD 50,000 in just 60 seconds, a clear indication that the results might have been altered to meet the interests of those who bet.
Meanwhile, the team from Real Apodaca quickly responded to the accusations. Through an official statement, the board assured that they had taken immediate measures, separating the involved players and aligning with the values of "integrity, respect, and transparency".
