Cipriani to Open Punta del Este Casino and Announces 250 Jobs
Uruguay.- 4 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Cipriani Resort Residences & Casino has confirmed that its new Casino Locanda will open in December 2026 in La Barra, Punta del Este, Uruguay.
The announcement was made during the presentation of the new season at Locanda, the hotel formerly known as Hotel Mantra.
The company highlighted the impact of its croupier training academy, which has trained more than 150 people, alongside the creation of over 250 direct jobs.
The initiative forms part of the wider Cipriani Resort Punta del Este development, which is scheduled to open in October 2027.
Casino Locanda Scheduled to Open in December
The opening of Casino Locanda represents an important milestone in Cipriani’s development within Uruguay’s land-based gaming market.
The casino will operate within the La Barra complex, which has officially launched its new season following extensive renovations.
Cipriani aims to combine casino entertainment with hospitality, dining and leisure services.
The project represents an intermediate stage ahead of the opening of the company’s larger Punta del Este resort.
More Than 150 People Trained in Four Months
One of the announcement’s principal highlights was the development of the croupier and casino floor staff training academy.
Over the previous four months, Locanda has operated as a dedicated training facility.
More than 150 participants received instruction covering:
- Gaming techniques and procedures.
- Customer service.
- Operational regulations.
- Duties associated with casino operations.
The initiative aims to prepare employees for the complex’s future operations while strengthening the availability of specialised personnel in the region.
Marcelo Silva Maci Highlights the Training Casino
Marcelo Silva Maci, General Manager of Cipriani Resort Residences & Casino, emphasised the academy’s importance within the project.
He explained that Locanda had effectively operated as a training casino, providing intensive instruction to more than 150 people.
The programme is designed to prepare employees for different stages of the resort’s development.
Cipriani confirmed that the first academy’s graduation ceremony will take place the following week.
Additional information concerning the casino’s technological infrastructure and gaming floor layout will also be presented during the event.
Cipriani Creates More Than 250 Direct Jobs
The development also represents an investment in employment and local economic activity.
According to the company:
- More than 250 direct jobs have been created during the current season.
- 300 permanent jobs are projected for 2027.
- Over 150 people have participated in specialised training.
The company also highlighted the project’s contribution to local suppliers and technical service providers supporting the hospitality and casino industries.
Job creation remains one of the central elements of Cipriani’s expansion in Punta del Este.
Main Resort to Open in October 2027
The opening of the larger Cipriani Resort Punta del Este is planned for October 2027.
The development represents the next stage of the company’s expansion in Uruguay.
While preparations for the main resort continue, Locanda will provide hospitality, dining and entertainment services.
The casino opening in December will also allow employees trained through the academy to gain practical experience.
Cipriani Executives Present the Project
The announcement was led by three company representatives:
- Dorian Rommel, Managing Director of Cipriani Resorts Global.
- Marcelo Silva Maci, General Manager.
- Pedro Nora, Director of Sales & Marketing.
During the presentation to local media in Maldonado, the executives outlined Locanda’s transformation into a year-round hospitality and entertainment destination.
The strategy aims to extend business activity beyond the summer tourism season and strengthen relationships with residents and visitors.
New Restaurants and Wellness Facilities
Locanda’s renovation also includes an expanded dining and wellness offering.
Alongside Harry’s Bar and Harry’s Table, the complex will introduce:
- Harry’s Dolce: a casual dining concept featuring pizza and other options.
- Lido: a new beachside venue.
- Renovated spa: year-round wellness services.
- Wellness centre: memberships for residents and fitness programmes.
Activities will include yoga, Pilates, tennis and padel, alongside healthy dining options.
These additions aim to diversify the complex’s services and strengthen its appeal as a tourism destination.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The opening of Casino Locanda and the development of specialised workforce training represent two important milestones for Cipriani in Punta del Este.
The project combines new entertainment facilities, professional education and local job creation.
With a casino scheduled to open in December 2026, more than 150 people trained and 250 direct jobs created, Cipriani is advancing its expansion in Uruguay while preparing to inaugurate its main resort in October 2027.
Upcoming announcements will focus on the academy’s graduation ceremony and further details of the new casino’s technology and facilities.
Edited by: @fonta
