Ever since their creation, casinos have stirred a certain mystique in the cities that host them. Patagonia has casinos all across Argentina and Chile, and in recent years they have become a tourist attraction in their own right: besides gaming, they offer live shows, bars and restaurants, and they are the ideal place to meet when everything else has closed.
More than gambling
Roulette, blackjack, baccarat and dice, with croupiers who manage the bets, collect and pay out the winnings.
Slots require no knowledge of rules and have drawn a much wider public that simply wants to have a good time.
Many casinos host live shows, with artists and singers who liven up the nights.
Bars and restaurants for a drink or dinner, exhibitions and, in some cases, a hotel in the same building.
Casinos by region
Neuquén, Cipolletti, General Roca, Zapala and Santa Rosa, in La Pampa. See casinos
Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, Junín de los Andes and Esquel; on the Chilean side, Pucón, Puerto Varas, Temuco, Valdivia and Osorno. See casinos
Viedma, Las Grutas, Puerto Madryn, Trelew and Rawson. See casinos
Comodoro Rivadavia, Rada Tilly, Caleta Olivia and Pico Truncado. See casinos
El Calafate, Río Gallegos, Río Grande, Ushuaia and, in Chile, Punta Arenas. See casinos
Before you go
Only adults are allowed into the gaming halls: bring your ID.
Before you start, set a limit on money and time, and treat gaming as entertainment.
Check the show schedule and whether you need to book a table at the restaurant.
They usually stay open late, so they are a good option after dinner or when the weather is bad.
To learn more, read What Is Luck?, Games of Chance, Casinos that Made History, More than Gambling, the glossary and the last lines. See also the list of all the casinos in Patagonia.
