Casino Tótem Boulevard San Martín, in Mendoza, is set to reopen in December following reconstruction after a March 2026 fire destroyed the gaming floor and damaged the complex’s on-site medical centre, according to Radio Regional 106.9. Work began in April and has extended beyond the initial four-to-five-month estimate for the rebuild.
Larger complex planned
The new facility will span more than 1,700 square metres of covered space, backed by an investment of approximately ARS20 billion (US$13 million).
The project goes beyond restoring the previous property, with the number of commercial units set to increase from 12 to 30 and expand the complex’s offering beyond its existing food and beverage operations. A separate residential condominium development for the surrounding area is also under evaluation but has not been confirmed. The medical centre is expected to reopen alongside the main complex, although its operational timetable remains dependent on the progress of construction.
Questions remain over workforce
The future of employees affected by the closure remains unresolved. Following the fire, some employees were dismissed while others were reassigned, including to the complex’s hotel and food service operations. Radio Regional reported that 82 employees linked specifically to traditional table games were dismissed, with voluntary retirement offered to others. A group of cashiers were relocated to gaming halls elsewhere in the city.
One worker described continued uncertainty over future employment, saying some colleagues had been reassigned while others had experienced reduced incomes. A meeting is reportedly planned in the coming days to discuss the status of workers and the possibility of employees returning when the gaming floor reopens.
The reconstruction follows a difficult financial period for the property. In February, one month before the fire, Radio Regional reported debt attributed to Grupo Kristich of approximately ARS7 billion (US$4.6 million), alongside speculation that the casino could close because of its financial position. Investigators subsequently determined that the March fire was not intentional.
The December reopening will therefore mark both the return of casino operations and the launch of an expanded commercial offering at the property. The position of the employees affected by the closure, particularly the 82 traditional table games workers who lost their jobs, remains unresolved ahead of the reopening.