Casino Central
| Industry | Gambling |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1939-12-22 |
| Founder | Alejandro Bustillo (architect) |
| Headquarters | Mar del Plata , Argentina |
| Products | Casino games (blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, slot machines) |
The Casino Central located in Mar del Plata, Argentina, ranks among the nation's most prominent gambling establishments.
Overview
The Central Casino, along with its counterpart, the Grand Provincial Hotel (which opened in 1950), was conceived by architect Alejandro Bustillo and stands as a significant architectural icon influenced by the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, France. The casino's interior design was a collaboration between French designer Jean-Michel Frank and the local firm Casa Comte. Construction commenced in July 1938 during the administration of Buenos Aires Governor Manuel Fresco, with the official opening taking place on December 22, 1939.
Bustillo's eclectic architectural approach integrates elements of French Neoclassical architecture, utilizing brick and quartzite for the façade, topped with a slate mansard roof. The project also encompasses the Bristol Esplanade ('Rambla Casino') and the central plaza, developed from 1938 to 1941. These areas are divided by Guillermo Brown Square, which provides access to the ocean via stone steps adorned with sea lion sculptures created by artist José Fioravanti.
In 2007, the provincial government undertook renovations of the casino, shifting its primary entrance to face the seaside promenade. Nearby, the Grand Provincial Hotel resumed operations in 2009 under the management of Madrid-based company NH Hotels.
The casino features around 7,000 square meters dedicated to gaming activities, including 140 tables offering games such as blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette, alongside 630 slot machines. During the summer season, it draws approximately 12,000 visitors nightly, with attendance rising to about 18,000 on weekends in January.
Within the northern structure are located a four-star hotel with 66 rooms, the Auditorium Theatre, the Ástor Piazzolla Room, a sports facility that served as a venue for events during the 1995 Pan American Games, and the School of Hospitality. The ground level hosts various commercial shops beneath a beachfront colonnade.