Casino Central Guide and Review
Casino Central, located in the vibrant city of Mar del Plata, Argentina, is a landmark establishment known for its impressive architecture and traditional casino offerings. While many visitors are captivated by its historical charm and grand interiors, recent experiences highlight a blend of enjoyable gaming opportunities and frustrating operational policies.
The Good: Ambiance and Select Gaming 💎
- Magnificent Setting: The casino boasts a truly grand and marvelous appearance, with visitors frequently praising its magnificent chandeliers and overall aesthetic. Recent renovations have seemingly enhanced its appeal, making it feel like a "real casino."
- Sea View Balcony: A notable feature, especially during specific times, is the access to a balcony offering a pleasant view of the sea, adding a unique touch to the experience.
- Engaging Card Games: For enthusiasts of strategy and skill, the card games, particularly poker, are reported to be fun and engaging.
- Slot Machine Enjoyment: While opinions vary, some patrons found the slot machines enjoyable, contributing to an exciting visit.
The Not-So-Good: Policy Frustrations and Payout Concerns 💸
- Currency Exchange Issues: A significant point of contention for international visitors is the reported policy of not accepting US dollars and the inability to exchange foreign currency for pesos. This can create a major barrier for tourists.
- Change Law Disregard: Locally, the casino has been criticized for allegedly not respecting specific change laws, particularly regarding small denominations. There are reports of signs stating they don't give less than $100 bills, which some consider illegal given current regulations.
- Higher Minimum Bets: Compared to other casinos in Buenos Aires, the minimum bet on roulette is reportedly higher (e.g., $10 ARS), potentially impacting accessibility for casual players.
- Slot Payout Perceptions: While some enjoy the slots, there's a strong sentiment that the slot machines "barely pay anything back," leading some players to prefer card games for better perceived returns.
Overall Experience:
Casino Central offers a visually stunning environment that promises the classic casino experience. Its architecture and renovated interiors contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a noteworthy stop in Mar del Plata. However, visitors, especially international ones, should be aware of potential inconveniences related to currency exchange and specific internal policies regarding money handling and minimum bets. For those who enjoy card games and appreciate a grand setting, it can be a rewarding visit, but managing expectations around slot machine payouts and cash services is advisable.
It would be five stars if they respected the laws. They don't respect the change law number 22.802, I went with a $99,04 ticket to be changed and according to the updated law they have to give me $100 but they even have a sign saying they don't give less than $100 bills, this IS illigal. Besides on the roulette the mininum is $10 ARS when it's less in other casinos. The place is marvelous as you can see in the pictures and becose of covid they let you go to the balcony with a view to the sea. But to resume they want to screw you even more than other casinos in Bs.As.
The casino at Mar del Plata center was an exciting visit, I really enjoyed the slot machines, the chandeliers were magnificent.
Stay away. Been to casinos in many cities around the world, appreciate a game (black jack or poker) for the entertainment, not necessarily driven by win or loss. The Central Casino in Mar del Plata doesn't offer a nice athmosphere, it is rather seedy and employees do not seem to enjoy their work or treat guests with respect. To top it up, the casino blatantly stole 1.500 pesos of chips from my colleague. When asked for the camera/footage, they refused and did not entertain further conversation.