Latin America’s land-based gaming sector showed diverging trends this week, with a record-breaking summer season in Punta del Este contrasting with closures and labor disputes across Argentina.
Punta del Este posts record summer season
At Enjoy Punta del Este, the operator reported its strongest summer season on record, with more than 300,000 visitors passing through the casino. Live entertainment also drew close to 30,000 attendees, up around 5,000 year-on-year.
The property’s poker events, including the Enjoy Poker Tour and Enjoy Poker Millions, distributed $8m in prizes and attracted international players. The resort also reported 1,800 jobs supported across permanent and seasonal roles, alongside ongoing partnerships with local suppliers and training programs.
Casino Esquel closure puts jobs at risk
In Argentina, conditions appear more challenging. In Esquel, operator Trewelyn S.A. announced the indefinite closure of Casino Esquel, placing approximately 50 jobs at risk. Notices were posted at the venue entrance, though no clarity was provided on whether the shutdown will be temporary or permanent.
Local reports indicate that gaming machines and tables had already been removed in the weeks leading up to the closure, while foot traffic had declined significantly. The operator had previously attempted to boost activity through new machines and live entertainment, but these measures appear to have fallen short.
The situation reflects broader pressure on smaller land-based venues, where competition from online gambling continues to erode demand. Trewelyn had previously closed its casino in Trevelin, a city close to Esquel, in 2020, in a process that shifted from temporary suspension to permanent shutdown.
Labor dispute escalates at Villa Carlos Paz casino
Further north, in Villa Carlos Paz, a labor dispute escalated at the casino’s restaurant operation after República Restaurant failed to attend a conciliation hearing convened by provincial authorities.
The union UTHGRA Córdoba described the absence as unjustified and confirmed that authorities had recorded the infraction and scheduled a new hearing under threat of sanctions. The dispute involves layoffs, workforce reductions and alleged labor violations.
Union representatives also criticized Lotería de Córdoba, arguing that oversight failures contributed to the situation. Further industrial action is expected as negotiations continue.
Argentina’s land-based sector continues to face structural pressure from online gambling growth, particularly in smaller markets where declining foot traffic is accelerating closures
