A fire that destroyed the Casino de Mendoza venue in San Martín has raised questions about the handling of gaming revenues stored at the site and the future of the workers attached to the operation.
The blaze broke out on March 11 at the gaming hall located inside the Tótem Boulevard complex, forcing the evacuation of customers and staff. Firefighters managed to contain the fire after several hours, but the casino floor suffered extensive damage and the causes of the incident remain under investigation.
The episode also sparked questions about the fate of the gaming revenues held at the property at the time of the fire. Ida López, President of the Mendoza Institute of Games and Casinos, said: "The money is safeguarded through security protocols and was not compromised."
According to provincial authorities, the funds were stored in a vault and were later removed under custody as part of the procedures following the incident.
Attention has now turned to the workers connected to the venue. Around 110 employees were linked to the San Martin casino, including provincial staff assigned to the Mendoza Institute of Games and Casinos and workers employed by the private concessionaire responsible for the slot machines.
Union representatives have asked provincial authorities to clarify the situation and guarantee that workers will continue receiving their salaries while the future of the venue is assessed.
Martin Caín, Secretary General of the Casino Employees Union of Mendoza, said: "There is a lot of concern among workers because we do not know what will happen with the casino. What we are asking for is certainty and guarantees that jobs and salaries will be protected."
Caín also warned that the consequences of a prolonged closure could affect the broader provincial casino network.
Caín added: "Many salaries within the system depend on the revenue generated by these venues, so if the casino remains closed for a long time, it could end up affecting workers beyond the San Martin property."
The San Martín casino is part of Mendoza’s provincial gaming network overseen by the Mendoza Institute of Games and Casinos. Authorities are now evaluating the structural condition of the building and determining whether the venue can reopen or if alternative arrangements will be required for gaming operations in the area.
Two casino employees had to be rescued during the fire after becoming trapped inside the building while trying to contain the flames. Both were assisted by emergency crews and treated for smoke inhalation, according to local authorities
