Maldonado Says Cipriani Casino Relocation Requires National Approval
Uruguay.- 28 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Maldonado authorities have clarified that any temporary operation of the Cipriani Casino at Locanda, the former Hotel Mantra, would require approval from Uruguay’s National Government.
Mayor Miguel Abella said the property appears to have the technical and infrastructure conditions required to accommodate a gaming venue, but stressed that the departmental government has no authority to grant or relocate casino licences.
Locanda Emerges as Alternative
The possibility of temporarily using Locanda has gained attention following delays in construction of the new resort and casino on the historic Hotel San Rafael site in Punta del Este.
The development group led by Giuseppe Cipriani could seek permission to move gaming operations there temporarily while construction of the main project continues.
Previous Casino Operations
Abella noted that the property previously operated as a casino under a mixed public-private management model.
From a municipal perspective, the building would therefore have the physical conditions required to accommodate a gaming floor.
However, approval of the premises does not constitute authorisation to operate gambling.
National Government Has Final Say
The mayor stressed the distinction between departmental and national responsibilities.
Maldonado can address infrastructure and property-authorisation matters but cannot grant, alter or relocate casino licences.
Any decision on the gaming operation itself belongs to Uruguay’s National Government.
MEF and General Directorate of Casinos
Should Cipriani formally request a temporary relocation, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the General Directorate of Casinos would have to assess the proposal.
Authorities would need to determine whether the existing concession terms permit a geographical transfer or provisional operation.
Any decision would also have to respect the fundamental conditions under which the original San Rafael concession was awarded.
No Final Authorisation Yet
Locanda should therefore currently be viewed as a potential alternative rather than a confirmed casino location.
Any opening would depend on a decision by the Executive Branch and the relevant national authorities.
The building’s technical suitability alone does not guarantee that gaming operations can be transferred there.
San Rafael Delays
The temporary-location scenario emerged amid delays affecting the Cipriani Ocean Resort, Club Residences & Casino development.
The complex is being constructed on the historic Hotel San Rafael site and remains dependent on the timetable for completion of the new resort.
Those delays have generated discussion about alternatives that could allow casino operations to begin earlier.
Cipriani Acquired Locanda
The former Hotel Mantra is already connected to Cipriani’s wider Punta del Este project.
The businessman acquired the property with plans to establish a staff-training academy there for employees who will later work at San Rafael.
This connection has contributed to Locanda emerging as a potential temporary gaming location.
Staff Training
Locanda was intended to serve as a preparation centre for the future resort workforce.
Training forms part of the pre-opening process for San Rafael and is designed to prepare employees for the different operational areas of the property.
A temporary casino operation would therefore represent a partial change from the building’s initially planned use.
Property Approval Versus Gaming Licence
Maldonado’s clarification underlines an important regulatory distinction.
A building may meet the technical requirements for a particular activity without automatically receiving authorisation to operate a casino.
Gambling regulation remains a national responsibility and is tied to the specific conditions of each concession.
Industry Context
The San Rafael development represents one of Uruguay’s most significant private investments currently under way across tourism, hospitality and gaming.
A potential temporary relocation of the casino now raises regulatory questions over the geographical scope of the existing concession.
The eventual decision could affect both Cipriani’s commercial timetable and Punta del Este’s casino market.
Next Steps or Impact
The next stage will depend on whether the Cipriani group formally submits a request to national authorities.
If it does, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the General Directorate of Casinos will have to determine whether the concession permits a provisional operation from Locanda.
Until an official decision is issued, the former Hotel Mantra remains a technically viable alternative but does not have final authorisation to host the Cipriani casino operation.
Editó: @fonta
