Necochea Considers Casino Relocation to Protect Jobs
Necochea city officials are reviewing a new proposal to amend the local ordinance that currently limits gambling activities to the existing Casino Complex. The initiative, spearheaded by Unión por la Patria–PJ councilwoman Evangelina Almada, seeks to bring in a new casino operator and secure more than 60 local jobs threatened by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the casino’s future.
The property, regulated by the Buenos Aires Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos (IPLyC), has been facing significant operational and financial difficulties. An initial tender to award a new concession was declared void after failing to attract investors leaving the future of the casino and its workforce in jeopardy.
Mounting Economic Pressures
Speaking to Radio Rivadavia Necochea, Almada expressed concern over the impact on local families:
“It’s very worrying for these workers. More than 60 families rely on this casino. This needs to be resolved urgently.”
Almada also criticized the upcoming second tender process, noting that its terms mirror those that failed previously. The estimated cost of upgrading gaming machines alone is around US$5 million, while full renovations of the casino complex could double or even triple that amount. She argued that restricting operations to the current site makes the project less appealing to investors and limits potential growth.
Proposal to Introduce Flexibility
The councilwoman’s plan involves a two-phase approach. The city will first proceed with the second call for bids under existing rules. If that fails again, the ordinance could be amended to allow relocation of the gaming hall to another area of Necochea’s coastline. This would make the project more attractive to private investors while helping sustain employment and potentially boosting local tourism.
“The province needs to guarantee either investment or relocation of the gaming hall,” Almada said. “The priority is to protect jobs.”
Unions Advocate for Ordinance Change
The Necochea City Council’s Commission for Labor, Economic Promotion and Local Development recently met with representatives of the Provincial Casino Workers’ Union (AMS Casinos) to discuss the situation. Union leader Fernando Hansen emphasized that relocation is not possible without legislative changes.
“If the second tender fails, we’ll have to seriously consider relocating the casino’s gaming room to another part of the seaside area,” Hansen stated. “But to do that, the municipal ordinance must be modified.”
Union representatives stressed that greater flexibility could encourage modernization and attract the private investment necessary to keep the casino operational.
Balancing Regulation with Economic Needs
The proposed ordinance change reflects a broader tension between regulatory stability and economic adaptability in Argentina’s gaming sector. While the current law was designed to maintain the exclusivity of Necochea’s Casino Complex, changing market dynamics and infrastructural decline have made the existing model increasingly unsustainable.
City council members now face a key decision: maintain strict regulations or adapt to safeguard jobs and stimulate tourism investment. The outcome of the upcoming second tender will play a crucial role in determining whether Necochea embraces a more flexible and sustainable casino model.
