Cipriani Graduates 116 Croupiers Ahead of Punta del Este Casino Opening
Uruguay – 13 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Cipriani Group has celebrated the graduation of the first class from its Croupier Academy in Punta del Este, Uruguay, with 116 young people completing more than four months of professional training ahead of joining the company’s operations.
The initiative represents an important milestone in preparations for the opening of Locanda Casino by Cipriani, scheduled for 15 December 2026, ahead of the summer tourism season.
The programme also supports the development of the future Cipriani Resort, Residences & Casino complex.
First Generation of the Croupier Academy
The training programme began with 130 participants selected from hundreds of applicants in the Maldonado department.
After four months of intensive table-game training, 116 students received their diplomas, achieving a completion rate exceeding 89%.
Most graduates are aged between 20 and 35 and have acquired technical skills to work across different areas of the land-based gaming industry.
The graduation ceremony took place at Locanda, where the training programme was delivered.
All Graduates to Receive Employment Offers
During the ceremony, Cipriani’s management confirmed that all 116 graduates will receive formal employment offers within the group.
Appointments will be distributed across several operational areas:
- Gaming tables: approximately half of the graduates will join Locanda Casino as croupiers.
- Security and operations: others will work in CCTV surveillance, cashiering and vault operations.
- Commercial departments: opportunities will also be available in finance, marketing and player development.
- Tourism services: some graduates will support operations at Lido and Casablanca Beach Club.
The allocation will allow the company to make use of the new professionals’ training while strengthening several departments.
Locanda Casino Scheduled to Open on 15 December
Locanda Casino by Cipriani is scheduled to open on 15 December, coinciding with preparations for the 2026–2027 summer season.
Located in La Barra, Punta del Este, the property will represent an initial stage in the group’s expansion into gaming and entertainment.
Its opening will also enable the gradual integration of the professionals trained through the academy.
The project will serve as a precursor to the wider Cipriani Resort, Residences & Casino development.
Cipriani Expects Workforce to Reach 500
The expansion is expected to have a direct impact on local employment.
Cipriani Group currently employs approximately 370 people across its regional operations.
With additional recruitment planned for the summer season, the company expects its workforce to reach approximately 500 employees.
This represents an increase of around 130 positions compared with its current staffing levels.
The development highlights the contribution of tourism and entertainment investments to employment opportunities in Maldonado.
Professional Training and Local Development
The graduation ceremony was attended by Doran Rommel, Managing Director of Cipriani Resort Punta del Este; Pedro Nora, Director of Sales and Marketing; and Marcelo Silva Manci, Casino Manager.
Management highlighted the importance of training local professionals and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Silva Manci emphasised that the programme provides young people with professional skills that can support careers both in Uruguay and in international gaming markets.
The academy forms part of Cipriani’s strategy of combining infrastructure investment with workforce development.
Next Steps for the Cipriani Complex
The opening of Locanda Casino will be one of the group’s main milestones in December.
Meanwhile, development of the wider Cipriani Resort, Residences & Casino will continue, combining tourism, hospitality, entertainment and land-based gaming.
The company aims to consolidate its operations by recruiting trained professionals and expanding its services.
With 116 newly qualified croupiers, employment offers for the entire graduating class and a projected workforce of 500, Cipriani is advancing towards the opening of Locanda Casino on 15 December while strengthening its investment in Punta del Este.
Editó: @fonta
