Buenos Aires boosts in-person gaming vs online advance
The Province of Buenos Aires is advancing in a profound transformation of its network of casinos and gaming halls with the aim of repositioning the in-person offer in the face of the rapid growth of online gambling. This was stated by Juan Vernengo, provincial director of Hippodromes and Casinos, after holding a strategic meeting with the sector unions to review the progress of the new modernization plan.
According to Vernengo, the program, which has already been implemented for six months, seeks to recover investment, update infrastructure, and strengthen formal employment, in a context where the digitalization of gambling accelerated globally during the pandemic. Data from H2 Gambling Capital show that, between 2019 and 2023, online gambling grew more than 90% worldwide, while in-person gambling still operates below pre-COVID levels in numerous countries, a challenge that also affects the Province of Buenos Aires.
A system that requires deep updating
The official explained that the Buenos Aires IPLyC faces the enormous challenge of “updating a model that was frozen for more than twenty years,” especially in technological matters and license management. In this regard, the Province has already implemented key measures:
- incorporation of digital payments via QR and new management apps,
- renewal of machines and equipment in historic halls,
- administrative reorganization and tendering of halls that had been outdated for two decades,
- modernization of the equine sector with the Teleturf app, regulatory changes, and international agreements on remote betting.
Vernengo emphasized that license regularization is essential to attract capital: “Without investment, competition is impossible. And to invest, predictability is needed.”
Casinos as comprehensive entertainment spaces
Another key aspect of the Buenos Aires plan is to transform casinos into multidisciplinary entertainment centers, a global trend already applied in markets such as the United States, Spain, and Portugal. Reports from the American Gaming Association (AGA) highlight that 55% of non-gambling revenues (gastronomy, shows, retail) have become a decisive driver of recovery for in-person casinos.
In this vein, the Province plans to expand the offer with gastronomy, shows, cultural proposals, and experiences that compete with options such as theaters, restaurants, or cinemas.
Responsible gambling as a political priority
Vernengo reinforced that modernization must go hand in hand with active policies for the prevention of gambling addiction. The official stressed that the Province will not promote risky behaviors, and that all responsible gambling programs are coordinated with the Ministry of Health. This stance is aligned with international standards such as Responsible Gambling certifications from the European Casino Association (ECA) and World Lottery Association (WLA).
A key season and initial results
Looking ahead to the summer, the casinos of Mar del Plata, Miramar, Tandil, and other coastal cities are preparing a reinforced agenda to attract tourism, although the economic context limits consumption.
Even so, Vernengo assured that the first indicators are positive: “The gap with online gambling is narrowing. There is still a way to go, but we are on track.”
According to estimates from in-person operators in the region, the weight of online gambling in Argentina already exceeds 25% of the total market, a figure similar to that recorded in Spain before its major wave of physical casino modernization between 2013 and 2018. The Province seeks to anticipate this trend.
Tags: Argentina, Buenos Aires Province, online gaming in Buenos Aires province, IPLYC, Mar del Plata Casinos, Casinos Miramar, Tandil Casinos