Gran Casino Viejo San Juan Opens in Historic Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s historic district of Old San Juan now hosts a fresh and sophisticated entertainment venue: the newly opened Gran Casino Viejo San Juan. With a $11 million investment, this new casino marks the first of its kind in the area and introduces a unique format to the island that combines gaming with high-end dining and nightlife.

Located in the revamped Rumbao Hotel, the Gran Casino Viejo San Juan promises to be more than just a place to gamble. It seeks to offer a full experience that blends Puerto Rican hospitality with international standards. The venue is designed to cater to both locals and tourists, contributing to the vibrancy of the area and enhancing the region’s appeal as a cultural and entertainment destination.

A Boutique Casino Experience

The Gran Casino Viejo San Juan offers a more intimate and luxurious alternative to traditional casinos. It features 64 slot machines and 10 table games, including blackjack, mini baccarat EZ, American roulette, craps, and the World Poker Tour Heads Up. The casino is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM Sunday to Wednesday and until 5:00 AM Thursday to Saturday, catering to the city’s nightlife scene.

But what sets this venue apart is its integration of gaming, dining, and ambiance into a single cohesive experience. The casino is home to El Bembé, the main bar, where guests can enjoy cocktails and local brews in collaboration with Puerto Rican brewery Ocean Lab. Chef Michael Bartemes, who leads the culinary offerings, merges Mediterranean flavors with local Puerto Rican dishes, providing guests with a taste of the island’s culinary heritage. The integration of these elements aims to provide a 360-degree entertainment experience, one where guests are encouraged to stay and enjoy much more than just gambling.

Gregorio Hernández Vélez, Director of the Casino Division for Grupo Orenes, the Spanish company behind the casino, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment. He explained, “What we really want is for the customer not only to come because they come to play the machines or the tables, which is the traditional thing, but also to come to enjoy a cocktail at the bar, a good dinner, a football match; that is, to be friends, really, and that entertainment, that social club that we create in 360 degrees helps us to really make it something different and for people to come and live the experience.”

Economic Impact and Future Growth

Gran Casino Viejo San Juan is also seen as a significant economic contributor to the region. With 90 direct jobs created and an additional 120 indirect jobs, the venue has already started to have an impact on local employment. The opening of the casino is expected to boost tourism and nightlife in Old San Juan, adding a new layer of entertainment to the historic district.

As reported by Primera Hora, Hernández Vélez emphasized the broader impact on the local economy, saying, “We came to San Juan to contribute to the economic and professional growth, the development of people, and so on, which is where our company has its main focus.”

Looking ahead, the casino is set to expand in the near future. After one year of operation, plans are in place to increase the number of slot machines and introduce a new restaurant, Bar Rojo. This new addition will serve Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, and will feature live performances, similar to the well-known Sexy Fish Mayfair in London.

The Gran Casino Viejo San Juan is not just about gambling; it’s about enhancing the city’s appeal to international visitors while respecting its history. Hernández Vélez noted that the goal is for every visitor to leave with memories of Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture, from the flavors of the island to the attractions in Old San Juan.

Hernández Vélez pointed out that the casino, which is the 13th in the Orenes Group’s portfolio, represents the company’s first operation in the Caribbean, with future plans to expand further across the region.