Montevideo mayor seeks to transfer casino oversight to national authorities
He proposes aligning operations with Uruguay's national gaming regulatory framework.
Key points:
– The mayor argues that the city lacks a comprehensive gaming policy and that such responsibilities should fall under national oversight
– He says the casino has seen reduced services and visitor appeal, no longer offering games like cards or roulette
– The upcoming meetings with the Ministry of Economy and the General Directorate of Casinos aim to define the framework for transferring control to the national level
Montevideo Mayor Mario Bergara announced plans to meet soon with the Ministry of Economy and the General Directorate of Casinos to discuss why “it no longer makes sense for a municipal government to manage a casino.”
In statements to Canal 5, Bergara explained that the municipal management of the casino has only historical rather than conceptual justification.
He said: “the municipality does not have a gaming policy, which involves many more things than having an open place with slot machines.”
Bergara emphasized that gaming policy should extend beyond basic operations. He stated: “From the Casino Directorate, gaming policy must involve not only what games are played and where, but also campaigns against gambling addiction and similar initiatives.”
The mayor described the Municipal Casino as having declined over time. He pointed out that the Parque Rodó facility no longer offers card games or roulette, making it less attractive to visitors. He added: “It makes little sense to manage a casino that has been in decline.”
Regarding staffing, Bergara noted that the number of employees at the municipal casino is relatively small. He mentioned that labor and retirement conditions indicate that a significant portion of the workforce will retire in the coming years.
The transfer proposal reflects Bergara’s position that specialized gaming oversight belongs with national authorities rather than municipal administration. The General Directorate of Casinos, under the Ministry of Economy, has broader regulatory capabilities for comprehensive gaming policy implementation.
Good to know: As the facility has become unsustainable, it was recently suggested to convert the casino building into a rehabilitation centre for addicts
The meetings will determine the framework for transferring casino operations from municipal to national government control. This transition would align casino management with existing national gaming regulations and oversight structures.
The Municipal Casino currently operates with limited gaming options compared to its historical offerings. The facility’s reduced services and aging workforce contribute to Bergara’s assessment that municipal management no longer serves the operation effectively.
The proposed transfer represents a shift toward centralized gaming regulation in Uruguay, placing casino operations under the same authority that oversees other gaming establishments nationwide.
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