Cipriani Plans Casino at Former Mantra Hotel After San Rafael Delay
Uruguay.- 19 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Cipriani Group is considering opening a casino at the former Mantra Hotel in Punta del Este as a temporary alternative following the postponement of the San Rafael hotel-casino project until 2027.
The proposal involves an estimated investment of between USD 10 million and USD 12 million and would establish a smaller-scale gaming venue for the upcoming season.
Alternative to San Rafael
The company currently holds authorisation to operate the casino at the former San Rafael site.
However, accumulated construction delays have prompted the group to assess alternative locations that could allow gaming operations to begin before the main complex is completed.
The former Mantra Hotel has emerged as one of the most advanced and rapidly executable alternatives.
Investment of up to USD 12 Million
The proposed venue would require an investment of approximately USD 10 million to USD 12 million.
Cipriani Group representatives have already held meetings with officials from Uruguay’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, where they presented a plan for the potential opening of the gaming venue.
The proposal is intended as a temporary solution, with the duration of the operation still requiring agreement with the Government.
Location Change Requires Approval
Cipriani cannot automatically transfer the casino authorisation granted for San Rafael to the proposed new venue.
The company is seeking approval from Uruguayan authorities to change the authorised location, at least temporarily.
Statements
Giuseppe Cipriani confirmed that the group is assessing different alternatives and stressed that any final decision will depend not only on the company but also on approval from the Uruguayan Government.
San Rafael Construction Dispute
The search for an alternative follows the dispute between Cipriani Group and construction company Criba, which contributed to further delays at the San Rafael development.
The opening of the complex has been postponed until 2027, prompting the group to explore options that could preserve part of its tourism and gaming strategy during the upcoming season.
Hospitality and Gaming Academy
The former Mantra Hotel is also owned by Cipriani Group and houses an International Academy of Hospitality and Luxury Gaming.
More than 300 young people are receiving tourism-related training at the property.
Some of that workforce could potentially join the future casino operation, alongside other employees affected by delays to the San Rafael project.
Next Steps or Impact
The project now depends on negotiations with the Uruguayan Government and, in particular, approval to temporarily relocate the casino operation originally authorised for San Rafael.
If approved, the former Mantra Hotel could allow Cipriani Group to begin operating a smaller gaming venue while development of its flagship Punta del Este project continues.
Editó: @fonta
