Mar del Plata casinos report loss of bettors to digital platforms
Roberto Páez, head of the AMS union, warned about the decline in public attendance in physical venues and the rise of illegal gambling. The union demands the urgent implementation of QR code payments to compete on equal footing.
The exponential growth of online gambling in the Province of Buenos Aires is reshaping the dynamics of traditional casinos. Roberto Páez, general secretary of the Trade Association of Administration, Maintenance, and Casino Services (AMS), reported that the digital mode has caused a notable decrease in attendees at the iconic halls of Mar del Plata.
In statements to the local media 0223, the union leader explained that player behavior has changed drastically: visitor flow has concentrated almost exclusively on weekends, leaving weekdays with minimal activity, a trend he directly attributes to the convenience of remote platforms.
The cash barrier: An urgent demand
Beyond the competition from online gambling, Páez pointed out that the in-person sector faces a critical operational disadvantage: outdated payment methods. While iGaming offers instant deposits, the province’s physical casinos still rely on cash, which deters an audience increasingly unaccustomed to carrying bills for security reasons.
"We need this to be resolved once and for all so that people can use QR codes to withdraw money or play," Páez demanded. However, the response from the Government of the Province of Buenos Aires, through Axel Kicillof’s administration, indicates that the implementation of a digital payment system with the Banco Provincia has an estimated technical delay of six months.
Illegal gambling and wage conflict
The situation is complicated by the rise of clandestine virtual casinos. The union warned about the expansion of illegal portals and confirmed that constant raids are carried out in the beach city to dismantle these operations that neither pay taxes nor protect players.
This demand for modernization and control comes amid tense wage negotiations. In mid-January, the AMS rejected the salary proposal from the Buenos Aires government as "insufficient," demanding a readjustment that matches the inflationary context and the reality of a sector that, despite the decline in attendance, remains a key source of fiscal revenue.
Tags: Argentina, Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata Casinos, Mar del Plata online betting