BajaNomad

Loreto Casino

ligui - 11-24-2013 at 08:30 AM

http://www.zonaconcho.com/2013/11/resucita-el-tema-de-la-ape...

capt. mike - 11-24-2013 at 11:17 AM

since when did MX legalize gambling? other than paramutual sports books like Caliente for horse racing etc.?

bajagrouper - 11-24-2013 at 11:24 AM

I am on the mainland and there are casinos form Nogales to Chetumal......

BajaBlanca - 11-24-2013 at 11:40 AM

When I was in La Paza. A Few weeks ago, we ate lunch at a casino that was rocking....I too did not realize they existed here in Baja.

tripledigitken - 11-24-2013 at 11:50 AM

San Nicholas Hotel and Casino in Ensenada is the only one I am aware of in Baja.

Howard - 11-24-2013 at 12:40 PM

Just what we need, somewhere for the local population to spend their hard earned money.:?: In my opinion exploiting the locals is a very bad idea.

I wonder if they will have to wade through the leaking sewer water to get in?

Mula - 11-24-2013 at 01:19 PM

I understood that certain municipalities allowed Casinos and others did not.

Mulege, Loreto, Comondu do not have Casinos and I am not sure about The Cabos.

Also in LaPaz Time Shares are not allowed, but in Loreto and the Cabos they are.

Has to do with the charters for the areas. I think.

Pompano - 11-24-2013 at 01:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by capt. mike
since when did MX legalize gambling? other than paramutual sports books like Caliente for horse racing etc.?


Hi Mike,

Lots of gambling still going on in Baja and all of mainland Mexico. When you lived in Mulege at the Serinadad, you must have bet at a c-ckfight, boxing match, .... or bet on Jai Alai in major cities, plus horse and greyhound racing. Also with the American-style scratch-off cards, which are quite common. Some of this gambling is indeed illegal, but there are ways around it...like applying for a temporary permit, etc. Money talks.

Over the last 3 and more decades, I've been invited to several horseraces, boxing matches, and c-ckfights around Sta. Rosalia & Mulege. The betting is quite heavy at some of these events when the more prosperous get bit by the gambling bug - large dollar and peso bills rule the play. There are all levels of betting, however, and everyone gets in on the action...amid a lot of genuine good fun. c-ckfights...pelea de gallos.. and horse races are highly popular around Mulege and all of Baja.

Casinos, like the one proposed in Loreto, might be a little different animal. It would take a much harder permit than the other sports action. Good or Bad, it's another gamble.

Historically, there was much more gambling in the high population border towns years ago. Colorful characters like Bugsy Siegel, Al Capone, The Border Barons, the governor of Baja, etc were involved with sites like Agua Caliente Casino and a few other gambling enterprises.

The legends of Baja gambling make for great reading. (The story that it was Capone who built a small casino on an island just off the coast of Tijuana is almost certainly doubtful, although many Mexicans and US writers believe it true.)

In the sixties I gambled at the Princessa Hotel in Acapulco....next to where the cliff divers performed. Also was the first time I lost pesos at a local Jai Alai match.

Now if they would only open a few Texas Hold-em games. ;)

greengoes - 11-24-2013 at 01:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Just what we need, somewhere for the local population to spend their hard earned money.:?: In my opinion exploiting the locals is a very bad idea.


Five or six are in Ensenada, two of which were recently built. A lot of dinero was spent on them, no sewer pipes in front.

The games are all electronic slots, no table games and probably have worse odds than the 10% mortgage rate Mexicans pay.

Cartel money...maybe....safe to say they are connected.

The casinos will suck the pesos from the people least able to afford it just as Telcel does.

They have sports betting too.

Bajahowodd - 11-24-2013 at 06:05 PM

Exactly. No table games. Just like the Indian casinos in the states. Is Hank behind this one?

Loretana - 11-24-2013 at 07:18 PM

Carlos Slim will have something to say about this! ( I hope!) :lol:

bajario - 11-24-2013 at 09:53 PM

Every casino in Valley Center and San Diego have table games.

Pescador - 11-25-2013 at 07:35 AM

There are at least 5 if not 6 casinos in Tijuana, 3 or 4 in Ensenada, and La Paz has 3 or more so it would only stand to reason that Loreto would be looking at one. I think I am safe in San Bruno since we have a problem just keeping a hot dog stand open on a regular basis. Ah, Life in a small Pueblo.

rhintransit - 11-25-2013 at 09:09 AM

the locals, or some of them here, spent a lot of time last spring/summer collecting signatures against this thing. many hope this never comes to pass, but who knows

bajabuddha - 11-25-2013 at 09:13 AM

Boy Howdy, i'll never forget my first c-ckfight experience in Mulege... I WAS SORE FOR A WEEK !! :biggrin:

ratoblanco - 11-25-2013 at 11:22 AM

BOoooo Hisss, that would the worst thing for this place, imagine the disrespectful droves of americans coming down to use loreto as their own toilet paper, someone please say it aint so.

paranewbi - 11-25-2013 at 12:13 PM

New one in San Felipe down the street from Georges hotel and across from EL Capitan hotel...boom boxes out front, nice car once in a while parked but no sign of the regular town folk blowing their pesos there.

Loretana - 11-25-2013 at 01:30 PM

originally posted by paranewbi....."nice car once in a while parked but no sign of the regular town folk blowing their pesos there."


The regular town folks in Loreto have NO EXTRA MONEY to blow, and I really doubt the wealthy in town will have much use for a Casino, either.

It's kind of a moot point.....and no one I've talked to thinks it stands a "snowball's chance in hell" of happening.......:rolleyes:

LaTijereta - 11-25-2013 at 02:22 PM

It would be great if they just kept the place "Ceasar's", like it was back in the 80's.. Some good times and food..:cool:

Bajahowodd - 11-25-2013 at 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajario
Every casino in Valley Center and San Diego have table games.


Electronic? Or is there an actual dealer shooting out cards?

Bajahowodd - 11-25-2013 at 05:59 PM

For those who may not know, Jorge Hank Rhon is the guy who is behind the Caliente Casinos. He was once the mayor of Tijuana.

Petey - 11-25-2013 at 08:48 PM

There's one in Guerrero Negro & in Cabo too that I know of.

bajario - 11-25-2013 at 10:10 PM

"Electronic? Or is there an actual dealer shooting out cards? "

Real live dealers from many nations just like Vegas. Craps is the only one that isn't Vegas style.

DavidE - 11-26-2013 at 11:35 AM

Sports Book at the CASINO adjoining the SUPERMERCADO LA BALLENA in Guerrero Negro.

And folks complain they don't have a place to watch the playoffs or Superbowl ?

[Edited on 11-26-2013 by DavidE]

aguachico - 11-26-2013 at 11:56 AM

Good for Loreto, can't wait until next July. Now I know there's a place to go and enjoy some non-fishing fun that has air conditioning

güero - 11-28-2013 at 07:03 PM

A casino and a couple more golf courses and there'll be direct flights coming in from Tokyo.

Paula - 11-28-2013 at 09:50 PM

One post above makes me want to say something snotty.

But because it is Thanksgiving I'll just say I'm thankful that there are no casinos in Loreto:saint:

güero - 11-29-2013 at 09:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paula
One post above makes me want to say something snotty.

But because it is Thanksgiving I'll just say I'm thankful that there are no casinos in Loreto:saint:


You can say what you want, I can take it. If Hank is behind this, he doesn't loose too often. I sort of like the guy in a way. At the worst, he isn't the mas malo politician out there.

The way I look at it, if it brings in tourists, then it's good for all Loretanos. The more tourists, the more money everyone makes and in the long run maybe they'll have a little extra cash for gaming. I don't think it will get worse than what it is now.

I can see it now! Augie will crank up the karaoke and have sushi specials all day long!

güero

Loretana - 11-29-2013 at 09:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by güero

The way I look at it, if it brings in tourists, then it's good for all Loretanos.


The idea that a "casino" in Loreto will bring in tourists is ludicrous! :rolleyes:

And wouldn't that affect our "Pueblo Magico" status??

Maybe they could rent out some space from The Rodeo Club.

You bet we can say what we like. Paula and I live here. :saint:

Paula - 11-29-2013 at 09:54 PM

And once again--- clicking on the 'like" button for Loretana!

elizabeth - 11-30-2013 at 06:30 AM

Another word from someone who lives here! A casino is not compatible with this town.

When work on the building first started, there was huge protest from locals. I doubt seriously that this small casino will be a tourist draw, nor would Loreto benefit from that kind of tourist. The kind of tourist that is attracted to Loreto, for the most part, is the diver, kayaker, fisherman, adventure tourist, and not the bar, nightlife, drink till you puke type. It will be marketed to locals, most of whom do not have the disposable income to gamble away. And aside from the moral issue of casinos, this building borders residential areas and has no real parking area, which may end up being a noise and traffic problem. Having said that, the building is beautiful and would be a great restaurant as it has been in the past!

If there is to be a casino, maybe the Villas del Palmar property would be a more appropriate place!

Loretana - 11-30-2013 at 10:21 AM

Well said, Elizabeth!!

DavidE - 11-30-2013 at 10:44 AM

Every gringo within a hundred miles can practically spend all their time in money in a casino like that and the place would go bankrupt in a hurry. It's going to take lots and lots of Mexicanos to support it, so it's kind of out of your hands...

Petey - 11-30-2013 at 11:54 AM

The guy that owns the tire shop across the street from the one in GN told me it goes til 3-4 AM every night,with music playing the entire time. Just sayin'

KurtG - 11-30-2013 at 12:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Petey
The guy that owns the tire shop across the street from the one in GN told me it goes til 3-4 AM every night,with music playing the entire time. Just sayin'

As of last week the GN casino was closed because of "permit problems." It is in the front right portion of the supermarket by the Dunas Motel. I chatted briefly with the owner who said the permits had been transferred from a mainland casino and the casino should be open again soon. It has a sports book and slot machines. It doesn't sound like it is aimed at tourists at all and since the town has a stable economic base it could succeed, but I hope it does not. I have seen gambling addiction ruin lives and families.

durrelllrobert - 11-30-2013 at 12:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
San Nicholas Hotel and Casino in Ensenada is the only one I am aware of in Baja.


Counting that one there are now 5 in Ensenada

durrelllrobert - 11-30-2013 at 12:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by paranewbi
New one in San Felipe down the street from Georges hotel and across from EL Capitan hotel...boom boxes out front, nice car once in a while parked but no sign of the regular town folk blowing their pesos there.


Hasn't Rockadile also been converted to a casino? At least that's what I've heard.

Paula - 11-30-2013 at 01:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by elizabeth
Another word from someone who lives here! A casino is not compatible with this town.

When work on the building first started, there was huge protest from locals. I doubt seriously that this small casino will be a tourist draw, nor would Loreto benefit from that kind of tourist. The kind of tourist that is attracted to Loreto, for the most part, is the diver, kayaker, fisherman, adventure tourist, and not the bar, nightlife, drink till you puke type. It will be marketed to locals, most of whom do not have the disposable income to gamble away. And aside from the moral issue of casinos, this building borders residential areas and has no real parking area, which may end up being a noise and traffic problem. Having said that, the building is beautiful and would be a great restaurant as it has been in the past!

If there is to be a casino, maybe the Villas del Palmar property would be a more appropriate place!



This post of Elizabeth's is so right on that it derves a second read, so I'm re-posting it:dudette:

Hook - 12-1-2013 at 10:33 AM

Hey, maybe if Loreto can tap into the income stream of the casino (in the form of taxes), they could fix your ongoing sewer system problem!

Of course, some would consider this replacing one sewer problem with another..........:lol:

Every casino (three) that has opened here in Guaymas has had a stoppage shortly after opening. "Permit problems", indeed! :rolleyes:

I've been twice in three years. Won 80.00 US one time and 150.00 the next. Was there only about ten minutes each time. They take a 6% rake of your winnings, off the top.

But there is no loud entertainment at any of ours.

There are good food bargains, though, and some locals come for that. Club sammy with bacon for 28 pesos, anyone?

[Edited on 12-1-2013 by Hook]

güero - 12-2-2013 at 09:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Loretana
Quote:
Originally posted by güero

The way I look at it, if it brings in tourists, then it's good for all Loretanos.


The idea that a "casino" in Loreto will bring in tourists is ludicrous! :rolleyes:

And wouldn't that affect our "Pueblo Magico" status??

Maybe they could rent out some space from The Rodeo Club.

You bet we can say what we like. Paula and I live here. :saint:


When has gambling and prostitution not brought in tourists. Look at Las Vegas, people don't go there just for the sun. I'm sure it started slow, maybe a nine hole golf course, a couple hoar houses and a gambling saloon.

Just because you expat women don't like it, if you build it, the tourists will come.

Magic town, what a joke. How much money has that designation put into the pockets of Mexicans that live there? Just like the "National Sea Park" or whatever it's called, that doesn't bring in tourists, if anything it's running them off. More rules and regulations don't make people happy.

The Rodeo Club, though I've never been there, brings people to Loreto. That's a fact. Go in and check it out when there are American and Canadian tourists in town. Tourists spend money there and then some of that money gets dispersed around town. Even though you women don't like it, it's true.

I won't bet that you and Paula can't say what you like but when you're wrong, you're wrong.

Loreto casino

tehag - 1-12-2014 at 01:16 PM

Without otherwise commenting on the issue:

An hour ago I saw the "Ya Abrimos" sign on the front of the old Cesar's restaurant. I parked and walked in. c-cktail bar, lots of tvs - like at a sports book, and quite a few slot machines.

Whatever else you may say about it, the Loreto casino IS open at this moment.

norte - 1-12-2014 at 01:40 PM

Some (most) of you people sound just like the Americans who fought against Indian Casinos and look at them now, I hope they build mega-casinos like the Indians do now. JOBS JOBS JOBS..andmoney for the economy.

Pompano - 1-12-2014 at 02:32 PM

Smoke free?... I hope.

vandenberg - 1-12-2014 at 03:50 PM

Whoopie !!!

A new way to augment my income. :wow::saint:

Thanks Hag !!, I'm on my way.:P:lol:

[Edited on 1-12-2014 by vandenberg]

Correction

greengoes - 1-12-2014 at 05:36 PM

There are now real table games at the new Caliente Casino in Ensenada.

This is not a rumor - saw them a couple of weeks back. One blackjack table, one roulette table and a Texas hold-em table. 50 peso minimum bet.

Rule One in Mexico is 'never assume anything' but I would guess they will be in all casinos.

I was under the impression these types of games were not allowed by Mexican law but "Yes is yes and no is maybe."

fish101 - 1-14-2014 at 01:56 PM

Its true that the Loreto Casino is open for business and the talk on the street is that they are looking at Isla Carmen to build a Mega Casino with Hotel and landing strip.. It won't be long before the tourists will be flocking to Loreto!!! I tipped my barber extra today, so she could put some of her hard earned money into the slots...

Loretana - 1-14-2014 at 02:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fish101
Its true that the Loreto Casino is open for business and the talk on the street is that they are looking at Isla Carmen to build a Mega Casino with Hotel and landing strip.. It won't be long before the tourists will be flocking to Loreto!!! I tipped my barber extra today, so she could put some of her hard earned money into the slots...


Come on now, Brent, I trust you are joking about a Mega Casino on Isla Carmen! :wow:

I don't think tourists will ever be "flocking" to Loreto......:D

bajacalifornian - 1-24-2014 at 09:26 AM

For what it's worth . . . the place is closed.


Closed by the Departamento de Hacienda, or Hacienda, or I.R.S.


Got off to a bad start with the new changes.

Paula - 1-24-2014 at 09:51 AM

http://www.oem.com.mx/elsudcaliforniano/notas/n3266086.htm

The Mexican army and navy the federales and the local police were all involved.
It was a surprise raid carried out at mid-day, when traffic is heaviest, and parents are picking up their children from school. A friend tells me that the machines were taken away in trucks, and a clausura was posted on the door.

I guess Loreto meant it when they said no to the casino:D:dudette: