Growing pressure to define future of Casino Parque Hotel, Montevideo
The debate over the fate of the Casino Parque Hotel, managed by the Montevideo Municipality, has once again intensified in the political arena. While the ruling party is pushing for its transfer to the Casinos Directorate of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the opposition from the National Party insists that the establishment must be permanently closed.
The controversy was reignited following the appearance of Camilo Benítez, Director of Economic Development of the Municipality, before the Departmental Board. The body sought to clarify what strategy is being handled regarding the departmental casino system, a topic that has generated questions without concrete answers, according to opposition councilors.
The opposition questions the lack of decisions
The Nationalist Juan Ignacio Abdala, who called the extraordinary session, stated that municipal authorities “could not explain what they plan to do with the casino.” He pointed out that the information presented was insufficient and reiterated the demand for the closure of Parque Hotel, a stance also held by former minister and ex-candidate for mayor Martín Lema, who requested that the establishment “be closed immediately,” regardless of administrative or political arguments.
Million-dollar losses and a staff without renewal
The data released by the Municipality reinforce the criticisms: the casino recorded a loss close to UY$ 90 million (US$ 2.2 million) in 2023 and accumulates an approximate deficit of UY$ 800 million (US$ 20 million) over the past decade.
Furthermore, the staff — about 40 people — has not added new hires since 1993.
The ruling party bets on the transfer
The administration of Mario Bergara considers that the management of the casino should be handed over to the MEF. The mayor has publicly stated that “it makes no sense for a municipality to manage a casino”, emphasizing that the Parque Hotel’s remaining under municipal control is solely due to historical reasons.
Bergara also highlighted that the municipality “does not have a gambling policy,” nor objectives related to the promotion of gambling activities, while the General Directorate of Casinos does have a comprehensive strategy involving regulation, operation, prevention of gambling addiction, and territorial planning of gambling.
Currently, the Municipality and the Ministry are negotiating what will happen with the establishment’s employees: whether they will continue under national management or be redistributed within other municipal areas.
Tags: Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay Casinos