Montevideo's Casino Parque Hotel under national control mid-year
The map of land-based gaming in Montevideo is heading towards a historic management change. After months of intense negotiations and political debates, the Director of Economic Development of the Municipality of Montevideo (IM), Camilo Benítez, confirmed to the Departmental Board that the transfer of the Casino Parque Hotel to national jurisdiction will materialize in mid-2026. This move will mark the end of an era of municipal administration to make way for the General Directorate of Casinos (DGC), under the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).
The decision, promoted by the current administration of Mayor Mario Bergara, is based on a vision of operational efficiency. For the departmental Executive, the direct management of gaming halls by a municipality lacks conceptual meaning in the modern context and responds more to a historical legacy than to a public service need. The objective is for the Municipality to free itself from the administrative burden of a sector that requires technical and regulatory specialization that the State already possesses at the national level.
The future of workers and operational logistics
One of the central points of the negotiation has been the fate of the approximately 50 municipal employees who currently work in the rambla hall. Benítez assured that the municipality will maintain the jobs, although employees will be relocated to other areas of the departmental government. Currently, a dialogue table is being developed to define these new functions, ensuring that the transfer of the hall does not negatively impact public employment.
Regarding technological infrastructure, the transition has not been without criticism. After declaring the original tenders void, the Municipality opted for direct awarding to the company ICM S.A. for the leasing of slot machines and management software. According to the authorities, this step was necessary to guarantee operational continuity while the delivery of the hall to the National Directorate of Casinos is formalized.
Political dispute and financial projections
Despite official confirmations, the opposition led by figures such as Senator Martín Lema has questioned the lack of speed and the "uncertainty" surrounding the process. The opposition sector points to a supposed contradiction: while the IM announces the transfer for 2026, the municipal budget continues to provide funds for the casino until the end of 2027. The Municipality's explanation is that this is a preventive measure to avoid a financial vacuum in case the final signing of the agreement suffered unforeseen bureaucratic delays.
In economic terms, the impact is evident. For 2026 and 2027, the projected casino revenue will be significantly reduced from the UY$ 348 million recorded in 2025 to just over UY$ 101 million. If the transfer closes according to the planned schedule, these resources would cease to appear in the municipal balance sheet to be integrated into the State's General Revenues. With the date set for mid-year, the iGaming and land-based gaming sector in the region is closely watching this move, which promises to centralize gaming offerings in Uruguay under a single regulatory and operational umbrella.
Tags: Uruguay, Casino Parque Hotel, casinos in Uruguay, casinos in Montevideo