The Province of Buenos Aires is readying to welcome more casinos in the jurisdiction, with the president of the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos, Gonzalo Atanasof, signing a resolution that has started the bidding process for seven new brick-and-mortar casinos that will arrive on a staggered timeline.
Province of Buenos Aires to Strengthen Land-Based Casinos
The seven casinos targeted by this bidding process have so far been operating under extended licenses from their original concessions. Notably, one operator, Boldt S.A., runs six of the properties, with contract extensions in effect through December 31, 2025, or until new agreements are signed, whichever comes first.
The province is confident that the launch of iGaming has not diminished the chances for further gambling expansion, with land-based properties still remaining a vital part of a thriving gambling industry overall. However, there is one important caveat.
These licenses do not necessarily apply to new actors altogether. In fact, they target the existing operators that are running businesses on extended concessions and are now invited to put forward stronger bids that would help ensure they remain in the province while providing greater value to the local economy and improving their facilities.
“We are not only seeking to ensure the continuity of workers and improve their working conditions but also to attract investments that will help capitalize on the tourism and entertainment potential of each venue,” Atanasof said in a statement, explaining that the ultimate goal was to modernize and improve the competitiveness of the industry.
A 20-year exploitation period has been hinted at, while the bidding process will start on July 8, 2025. The tender targets seven specific areas: Necochea, Miramar, Tandil, Sasso, Hermitage, Mar de Ajó, and Sierra de la Ventana.
Argentina’s Gambling Framework Grants Autonomy to Buenos Aires, Provinces
As a reminder, in 2024, the City of Buenos Aires announced it would no longer issue new online casino licenses, primarily citing concerns about underage gambling and the need for stronger player protection measures. The focus, as reflected in recent regulatory efforts, has shifted toward improving the oversight of existing operators and enhancing responsible gambling practices.
It is important to note that the City of Buenos Aires and the Province of Buenos Aires are not in fact subject to the same regulatory oversight and are responsible for their own regulation of both online and offline gambling activities.