Key Moments:
- The Province of Buenos Aires has implemented multiple modernization initiatives to support its land-based gaming sector and protect employment.
- New strategies focus on integrating entertainment offerings and renewing casino licenses that have remained pending for over 20 years.
- Authorities report visible progress in closing the gap between online and offline gaming revenues.
Leadership Initiates Transformation
Provincial Director of Hippodromes and Casinos Juan Vernengo recently discussed the forward movement of Buenos Aires in strengthening its physical gaming sector, aiming to secure thousands of jobs in a rapidly evolving environment. After six months in his official capacity and having served since Gonzalo Atanasof became president of the Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute, Vernengo detailed efforts to update the industry without risking employment.
Pandemic Drives Dramatic Change
The global pandemic led to a rapid surge in online gaming, shifting the competitive landscape and posing significant challenges for physical casinos, bingo halls, racetracks, and agencies. Rather than retreat, Buenos Aires opted to safeguard jobs and focus on upgrading its offering. Vernengo pointed out the considerable technological gap but emphasized that on-site experiences can deliver unique value through enhanced entertainment, advanced tools, and improved services.
Action Steps Toward Modernization
A series of concrete measures is already in force within the province’s gaming sector. These include:
- Launching digital payment options like QR code payments and new digital applications to improve customer convenience.
- Carrying out a full-scale renewal of slot machines and gaming equipment across provincial casinos.
- Regularizing long-pending casino licenses to provide operators with greater investment assurance.
- Boosting the horse racing sector with regulatory updates, international betting agreements, and enhancements such as the Teleturf app.
All of these efforts are aimed at job protection, in line with directives from Governor Axel Kicillof and IPLyC president Gonzalo Atanasof.
Reimagining Casinos as Entertainment Hubs
Buenos Aires is advancing a broader vision for its casinos, aspiring to transform them into comprehensive entertainment destinations featuring food, cultural programming, and diversified activities. This approach intends to attract new demographics and position casinos on par with other leisure choices.
Vernengo stressed the importance of balancing entertainment with responsible gaming, highlighting ongoing initiatives with the Ministry of Health to address issues related to problematic gambling behaviors.
Strategic Outlook for the Upcoming Summer
As the summer period approaches, a suite of promotional activities will target both locals and visitors at casinos in locations such as Mar del Plata, Tandil, and Miramar. Despite current economic difficulties affecting national spending power, the focus remains on making provincial casinos an appealing recreation option.
While specific future plans remain undisclosed, Vernengo reiterated that the overall direction centers on expanding entertainment offerings. He reported that the revenue gap between digital and in-person gaming is narrowing, attributing this progress to industry modernization, long-term planning, and collaboration with casino staff.
“Much remains to be done, but we are clearly moving in the right direction,” he concluded.
Current Modernization Measures in Buenos Aires Gaming Sector
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Payment Systems | Introduction of QR payments and new apps to facilitate transactions |
| Machine Fleet Renewal | Total replacement of slot machines and other gaming equipment in casinos |
| License Regularization | Renovation and new tenders for casino licenses unresolved for over 20 years |
| Hippodrome Enhancements | Regulatory improvements, international betting contracts, and upgrades like the Teleturf app |
- Author
Daniel Williams
