Palermo Racetrack to remain under Argentine federal jurisdiction
The Federal Administrative Litigation Chamber decided to maintain national state jurisdiction over the Palermo Hippodrome, rejecting the claims of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, which sought to assume powers over the complex. The judicial decision consolidates the precautionary measure that allows the National State to maintain authority to control, supervise, and eventually close activities within the Buenos Aires equestrian venue.
The ruling was issued by Chamber IV and accepted cases presented by Hapsa and La Yungeré, the main operators of the hippodrome. The resolution recognizes the jurisdictional complexity that has characterized the dispute practically since the beginning of the concession, granted to Hapsac in 1992 for an initial duration of 25 years, subsequently extended for an additional 10 years. The extension expires during 2027, although there is a possibility of a new extension for five more years.
Concurrently, the Chamber urged both parties to arbitrate means for the substantive issue regarding definitive jurisdiction to be resolved without further delay. This judicial recommendation reflects the institutional interest in closing a controversy that has generated administrative uncertainty for years, affecting the operational stability of the complex and the applicable regulatory clarity.
The hippodrome's regulatory structure establishes differentiated roles according to activities. The Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires assumed control functions in casino modalities, replacing the National Lottery in that sphere. However, horse racing requires specialized supervision from recognized international entities such as the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, France Galop, the British Horseracing Authority, and the South American Organization for the Promotion of Horseracing.
In Latin America, hippodromes with casino operations represent strategically important establishments for the jurisdictions that host them. Argentina consolidates its regulatory approach through jurisdictional clarity and state participation in the supervision of these operations, a model that reinforces the protection of public interests while allowing operational continuity for establishments with decades of tradition in consolidated regional markets.
Tags: Argentina, Buenos Aires, racetrack regulation, Hipodromo Palermo betting, horse betting Argentina