Montevideo Considers Transferring Municipal Casino Control to National Authorities

Bergara Proposes Aligning Operations with Uruguay’s National Gaming Regulatory Framework

Uruguay.- August 8th 2025 www.zonadeazar.com Montevideo Mayor Mario Bergara has announced plans to transfer the management of the Parque Rodó Municipal Casino to the General Directorate of Casinos under the Ministry of Economy.

Lack of a Comprehensive Gaming Policy at the Municipal Level

Bergara stated that municipal casino management is “more a matter of historical precedent than conceptual logic,” noting that the city lacks a full gaming policy. “It’s not just about having a venue with slot machines; gaming policy must also include anti-gambling addiction campaigns and other initiatives,” he said.

Decline in Casino Services and Appeal

According to Bergara, the casino has reduced its services and no longer offers games like cards or roulette, making it less attractive to visitors. The workforce is small, and many employees are approaching retirement, threatening future operations.

Upcoming Meetings and Proposed Transition

Bergara will meet with the Ministry of Economy and the General Directorate of Casinos to establish the framework for transferring control. The move would align casino operations with Uruguay’s national gaming regulations, ensuring more specialized oversight.

Additional note: Due to the facility’s unsustainability, a proposal has been made to convert the building into a rehabilitation center for addicts.

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com