Hotels and resorts group Sun International said Wednesday that its newest complex in Chile - the $250-million Monticello Grand Casino and Entertainment World in Mostazal, 60 kilometres south of Santiago, has been officially opened.

The opening took place over two nights and played host to some of the country's preeminent celebrities and dignitaries, along with senior Chilean government ministers, dignitaries, business partners and the media.

While the 1,500-slot, 80-table casino has been operational since October last year, the full complex with its restaurants, bars, entertainment, 155-room 5 star hotel and spa took a further year in development and the latter opened a few days ago.

After only one year of operation, the casino already accounts for some 33% of gross gaming revenue in Chile.

Monticello is the largest private-sector investment ever made in Chile's leisure sector and marks an important milestone in Sun International's drive to expand its interests beyond southern Africa.

"Monticello is situated in a region abundantly blessed with scenic beauty, efficient public infrastructure and boundless potential for future investment in the leisure sector. It is already a key attraction for locals and for visitors from neighbouring countries," said Sun International CE David Coutts-Trotter said.