Buenos Aires Casino (Casino Buenos Aires by ship)

Shortly

Casino Buenos Aires is a unique facility in the capital: the game is played on two moored ships in the Puerto Madero area, which has historically bypassed the city's ban on gambling "on the ground" and operates in the waters of federal jurisdiction. The vessels are called Estrella de la Fortuna and Princess.

How it all started: 1999 "loophole"

In October 1999, a "floating" casino opened in Buenos Aires: the solution was based on the operation of two ships in the waters of federal subordination - this bypassed the ban on casinos within the city. A second ship, the Princess (2006), was later added.

Own and city chronicles call the first ship Estrella de la Fortuna; it was this combination of "Estrella + Princess" that was assigned to the Puerto Madero project.

Where is it and what's inside

Location: Dársena Sur, Puerto Madero, entrance through the ground pavilion to the gangways of the two vessels. The official website positions the object precisely as "two Buques Casino."

Play area: slots, roulette, blackjack, poker; profile directories indicate the ~ of 1400 + slots and the ~ of 120 tables (estimate, since the fleet is changing).

Age: 18 + (for an online account this is confirmed in the casino help; offline access in CABA also corresponds to a general threshold of 18 +).

Who regulates

The supervision of gambling activities in the capital is carried out by LOTBA S.E. (Lotería de la Ciudad). LOTBA's official documents directly include "buques Casino de Buenos Aires," to which metropolitan control and sanctions standards apply.

Legal drama 2025: 'Can't be left closed'

In the spring of 2025, the Argentine Supreme Court overturned a measure that allowed two ships to continue operating after the expiration of the old authorization in 2019 (media headlines sounded like "el casino no flota más"). However, industry reports clarified: the facility continues to function, since there is another measure of support from 2021, which the state did not dispute. Status is being settled.

What this means for the visitor: in practice, the hall still operates on two ships in Puerto Madero, but the legal circuit is "moving" in 2025 - the topics of concession and operating conditions remain on the agenda of the courts and the regulator. When planning a visit, check the current messages on the casino website/local media.

Atmosphere and experience

Even travel guides note the "unusualness" of the place: two deck "arenas" with passages, bar areas and a mixture of the public - from "beginners" to regulars. Tourist resources describe the bohemian slots and the presence of tables (blackjack, roulette, poker), noting that the layout may seem like a labyrinth.

Safety and Responsible Play Practices

18 + and identity verification - a mandatory rule that LOTBA broadcasts for its jurisdictions; the operator himself confirms the 18 + age threshold in the online environment.

LOTBA control: The capital regulator has the power to fine and sanction operators Hipódromo Argentino and buques Casino de Buenos Aires for breaches of regulations.

A little history in dates

1999 - the launch of the first vessel as a "floating casino" (Dársena Norte → Dársena Sur), competency disputes immediately arise around the project.

2006 - the official launch of the second Princess vessel.

2019 - the dispute over the expiration of the previous authorization goes to the courts.

2025 - the Supreme Court cancels one of the "insurance" measures, but due to another current measure, the casino remains open; the status of the concession continues to understand the legal field.

Guest tips

1. Plan your evening: The place is popular with tourists and locals; take the document, consider 18 +.

2. Check the operating mode/events on the official website - the "two vessels" format sometimes entails local zone restrictions.

3. Responsible game: the capital is actively promoting JR policy (Responsible Gaming) and informing visitors.

Casino Buenos Aires is a calling card of the capital's gambling scene and a rare example of a "floating" format in a major metropolis: two ships (Estrella de la Fortuna and Princess) at Puerto Madero piers, a full set of tables and slots, LOTBA control and an 18 + threshold. In 2025, the legal agenda around the concession revived, but the casino continues to work, remaining one of the most unusual sites in the city.

Sources: official website of Casino Buenos Aires (section "El Casino"), LOTBA page and resolutions on control of beeches/hippodrome, chronicles and reference books (Wikipedia, LCB), court materials and industry media on the events of March-April 2025 (DiarioJudicial, Código Poker, CDC Gaming).