Mendoza State Casinos Report 40.4% Revenue Decline in 2026
Argentina.- 22 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Casinos operated directly by the Province of Mendoza have recorded a 40.4% fall in average monthly gaming proceeds during 2026, accelerating the restructuring of the Provincial Institute of Gaming and Casinos, IPJyC.
The decline became particularly pronounced following the fire that forced the Casino Zona Este in San Martín to close, while the regulator has also pointed to structural changes including online gambling growth and declining participation in some land-based products.
From ARS1.785 Billion to ARS1.064 Billion
The figures cover only the casinos directly managed by the provincial government:
- Casino Central.
- Casino Zona Este in San Martín.
- Casino General Alvear.
In January and February, before the San Martín property closed, average monthly proceeds from electronic gaming and table games stood at approximately ARS1.785 billion.
Between April and August, without Zona Este operating, that average fell to around ARS1.064 billion per month.
The difference represents a 40.4% decline.
March Excluded From Comparison
March was excluded because Casino Zona Este operated for only part of that month.
A fire on 11 March 2026 forced the property to suspend operations.
Importance of Casino Zona Este
The closure had an unusually large impact because the San Martín property accounted for a substantial portion of the state-run casino network.
According to IPJyC, Zona Este represented approximately 33% of slot-machine revenue generated by Mendoza’s state casinos.
ARS783.6 Million in January
The venue generated approximately ARS783.6 million from electronic gaming in January.
In February, the total was around ARS654.5 million.
Removing that operation therefore caused an immediate reduction in the state network’s overall gaming proceeds.
Restructuring Was Already Under Review
IPJyC said the loss of a property with such a significant contribution accelerated a reorganisation process that was already being considered.
The regulator had identified wider changes affecting the traditional provincial casino business before the fire occurred.
Online Gambling Growth
One of those structural changes is the expansion of online gaming.
The Institute has identified a progressive shift towards digital platforms that is changing historic patterns of attendance at physical venues.
Decline in Some Land-Based Products
IPJyC has also highlighted a reduction in the importance of certain traditional land-based products.
Live table games have been among the areas most affected by the changing customer mix.
Casino Central Ends Table Gaming
At the beginning of August, Mendoza’s government permanently closed table-game operations at Casino Central.
The venue now focuses on slot machines.
Resolution 473/2026
The decision was introduced through IPJyC Resolution No. 473/2026.
It removed traditional live products including:
- Roulette.
- Blackjack.
- Poker.
- Other table games.
The measure took effect on 5 August.
Financial-Balance Objective
The closure forms part of a wider restructuring programme aimed at restoring financial balance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Institute.
IPJyC has been reviewing functions, operating structures, costs and gaming formats in response to the changing financial environment.
Law 9,718
The process was strengthened in July through the implementation of Law 9,718.
The legislation gave the Institute powers to carry out a broader organisational restructuring over a period of up to one year.
Workforce Impact
The changes also affect employees.
Options presented to workers include voluntary retirement schemes, potential redeployment and periods of availability.
A total of 82 employees have been placed on availability, while more than 100 workers are reported to have started voluntary-retirement procedures.
Employee Concerns
Worker representatives have challenged parts of the restructuring process and argue that employees should not be blamed for falling revenue.
They have also highlighted longstanding issues involving staffing, supplies, wages, career progression and outstanding days off.
Public and Private Casinos Show Different Trends
The 40.4% decline does not represent Mendoza’s entire casino industry.
The figures cover only venues directly operated by the provincial government and exclude privately operated properties.
That distinction is important because several private casinos in Greater Mendoza reported revenue growth during the first quarter of 2026.
Diverging Market Trends
The province therefore presents different trends depending on the operating model.
While some privately managed casinos recorded growth earlier in the year, the public network suffered the exceptional impact of the San Martín fire while also undergoing a structural adjustment of its land-based operation.
Industry Context
The situation combines short-term disruption with longer-term market change.
The fire immediately reduced operating capacity, but IPJyC argues that digitalisation, changing player preferences and declining demand for some traditional products were already reshaping the market.
The restructuring is intended to adapt the state casino network to that environment.
Next Steps and Impact
IPJyC will continue implementing its restructuring programme over the coming months, including operational and workforce measures designed to reduce costs and restore financial balance.
Future revenue performance will depend both on whether remaining casinos can absorb some of the lost activity and on the continuing shift in customer behaviour.
Mendoza now faces the challenge of redefining the role of its state-operated casinos in a market where online gaming is gaining share and traditional land-based formats face growing pressure.
Editó: @fonta
