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The government of Buenos Aires Province has awarded a 20-year concession for Casino Anexo I at Mar del Plata’s Hotel Sasso to a joint venture between tourism workers’ union UTHGRA and Yukon Technology S.A. The award, formalised through Resolution No. 1324-IPLYCMGGP-2026 of the Provincial Institute of Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC), covers the operation and maintenance of electronic gaming machines, gaming control systems and refurbishment of the casino facilities.
The agreement includes an option for a further one-year extension at the regulator’s discretion. The casino had operated under temporary extensions since 2019, following an unsuccessful tender process.
Joint venture secures 61 per cent share
The successful consortium, UTHGRA – Yukon Technology S.A., achieved 64 points in the technical evaluation and will receive 61 per cent of the monthly profits generated by electronic gaming machines. The remaining 39 per cent will go to the provincial government. The final allocation represents a reduction from the consortium’s initial proposal of 65.9 per cent.
The agreement also covers complementary services associated with gaming operations, with financial arrangements to be determined. Security requirements form part of the concession, with IPLyC approving the operator’s security plan. The number of police officers required at the venue will be established in the final contract.
Province moves to modernise casinos
The award follows a public tender launched in April 2025 covering seven provincial casinos, including the Sasso and Hermitage in Mar del Plata, alongside venues in Necochea, Miramar, Tandil, Mar de Ajó and Sierra de la Ventana. The tender sought long-term investment in casino infrastructure, modernisation of slot machine fleets and improvements to gaming facilities.
Only four venues attracted bids: Sasso, Hermitage, Miramar and Tandil. The remaining three received no offers, reportedly because of the investment required to upgrade their buildings. Casino Sasso was previously operated by Boldt S.A. under extended permits. In January 2025, the venue temporarily closed for approximately 20 days following a dispute over security service payments, affecting around 30 employees. The new concession follows the separate award of the Hermitage casino to a consortium led by Boldt, establishing new long-term operating arrangements for Mar del Plata’s two principal gaming venues.
For UTHGRA, led by Luis Barrionuevo, the agreement marks a direct move into casino operations in one of Argentina’s leading tourism destinations. The concession remains subject to formal contract signing, which will establish the commencement date and detailed obligations of the new operator.
