Argentina's Mendoza province has closed the roulette, blackjack and poker section at its central Casino de Mendoza. A sustained drop in players leaves slot machines as the only live gaming option at the venue.
It follows a resolution, issued by the IPJyC board under a reform package championed by Governor Alfredo Cornejo and approved by the provincial legislature. The law gives the institute a one-year window to modify or eliminate structures, functions and jobs as it works toward financial balance.
The IPJyC attributed the closure to a persistent economic and financial strain in the sector, linking it to changing consumption habits among bettors. The regulator's reasoning points to the growth of online betting and mobile access as central factors reducing foot traffic to physical gaming rooms, particularly for live table games.
The 81 affected employees have two options if they do not opt for voluntary retirement. They may be relocated to another public sector role based on their skills or placed on a six-month paid standby period. Workers who are not relocated by the end of that period would then receive the standard 100% legal severance.
Martín Caín, Representative at the Unión Personal de Juegos y Casinos de Mendoza, said: "We are working at a table with authorities from the Institute of Games and Casinos so that any worker who does not want to take voluntary retirement can be reinstated in another area of the State."
The closure adds to the pressure the IPJyC has faced since a March 11 fire destroyed the gaming section at its Casino de Mendoza in San Martín, a loss estimated at around ARS2.5bn ($1.68m) in expected revenue for the remainder of 2026.
The concessionaire operating that site, Fuente Mayor New Star, has said it does not expect to reopen before March 2027. Finance Minister Víctor Fayad said the institute's prior operating structure was not sustainable.
Authorities said there is significant concern among employees, some of whom have spent much of their careers in a highly specialized field
