The General Directorate of Casinos (Dirección General de Casinos, DGC) of the Uruguayan Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has opened a new game room in Maldonado’s Atlántico Shopping. The new launch confirms the state policy of including regulated gaming products in strategic urban and touristic areas, along with augmenting public revenues.
The “Sala Atlántico” debuted with 71 state-of-the-art gaming machines and will operate daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Situated in a high-traffic commercial complex, the new venue not only entertains but also generates tax revenue that directly infuses Uruguay’s national coffers.
Institutional Presence and Economic Impact
Carlos Cedres, the chief executive of Casinos del Estado, chaired the inauguration and underscored the importance of the project for strengthening the institutional presence of the organization in “core areas of Punta del Este and Maldonado.” The selection of the location at Atlántico Shopping suggests a strategic move to place the site in high-traffic zones with a decent mix of locals and tourists.
In an interview with local radio station FM La Gente, Cedres noted: “Society must understand that earnings from state-run casinos largely go to General Revenues. They are part of the nation’s budget financial nourishment, from where funds are allocated to fundamental areas like Education and Security“.
Entertainment with a Social Purpose
Instead of a separate commercial venture, the Sala Atlántico is billed as a dual-purpose area, supplying modern entertainment and supporting public policy objectives directly. Cedres remarked on the serious obligation carried by Casinos del Estado, noting that the state-owned casino network is a primary source of revenue for Uruguay’s social programs through legally generated game revenues.
With this latest opening, the DGC is also expanding its operational area. The project had been approved earlier this year within a broader state plan to refurbish entertainment infrastructure in the Maldonado department. The addition of these venues to current commercial zones further increases foot traffic, creates jobs, and encourages safe and supervised gaming environments.
Enabling Broader Development in Maldonado
The opening of Sala Atlántico comes at a time when Maldonado is increasingly being seen as a center of economic and cultural activity. Located minutes from Punta del Este, the region sees heavy seasonal tourism, which helps make the business case for an increase in entertainment offerings.
The state’s initiative in securing a gaming center in a mall mirrors a shift in attitude towards consumerism and economic development. With the integration of entertainment into shopping and dining, the DGC aims to elevate the experience of patrons while ensuring that everything remains within the bounds of the law.
As Uruguay renovates its public entertainment infrastructure, the likes of the Sala Atlántico serve as templates for sustainable development that balance commercial interests with national agendas. By reiterating the message that gaming operated by the state finances fundamental public services, the government reaffirms not just its entertainment products but the social contract as well.
As Maldonado is now host to this latest casino outlet, Uruguay’s vision for a modern, transparent, and socially responsible gaming industry moves another step forward in a bold way.
Source: YogoNet
