The Necochea casino in Buenos Aires province temporarily closed its gaming floor for two days after infrastructure failures exposed significant structural deterioration, raising concerns over the property’s future ahead of a planned concession auction.
The facility reopened on Wednesday evening following emergency repairs to the building’s water supply system, which had affected multiple operational areas.
The closure occurred during the peak summer season and comes as provincial authorities prepare to auction the casino’s operating license. Maintenance workers warned that the venue relies on outdated infrastructure and obsolete technology, increasing the frequency of emergency repairs and limiting long-term solutions.
Fernando Hansen, a maintenance department worker and union representative, said employees worked intensively to restore operations but cautioned that conditions remain fragile. He added that years of underinvestment have left the building dependent on constant repairs with limited resources.
Staffing levels in the maintenance department have fallen to just over a dozen workers covering permanent shifts across the entire complex, down from significantly higher levels in previous years. Workers also cited shortages of supplies and the lingering impact of thefts reported in recent years.
Hansen said employees are awaiting clarity on the auction process and potential bidders, which would allow better planning ahead of the winter season. Labor representatives are also pressing for improvements in job stability, working conditions and unresolved issues related to provincial casino operations.
Union sources warned that labor action could take place as early as this weekend if authorities fail to provide answers. The situation reflects broader challenges across Argentina’s regional casino sector, where aging properties face mounting maintenance costs under government concession models.
The Municipality of Necochea has officially set the public auction of the Casino Complex for 11 February 2026
