Codere Launches New Poker Initiative in Mexico

Posted on: September 6, 2023, 06:40h. 

Last updated on: September 6, 2023, 06:40h.

Poker fans in Mexico have been lobbying to turn the game into a certified sport, and Codere is going to try to give them a push. The Spain-based gaming operator has inaugurated its first dedicated poker room in the country but has plans to introduce many more.

Codere launched its first poker room in Mexico City, the country’s capital, last week at the Codere Meneo casino. It also announced the emergence of the Codere Poker Series brand, and the company envisions both initiatives as ways to provide an unparalleled entertainment experience in the country.

During the inauguration of the poker space, Codere Director of Operations Francisco Vidal Caamaño highlighted the commitment to innovation and the speed with which this initiative was carried out. The launch of the Codere Poker Series brand marks a before and after for the game in the country.

Let the Chips Fly

The new Codere Meneo Poker room is billed as a paradise for poker lovers. It has 10 professional tables, including one designed for live broadcasts, as well as private gaming spaces.

The room opens at 4 PM and closes at 1:30 AM the following morning on weekdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open an hour longer.

The goal is to offer players a complete experience, ranging from cash games to festivals and tournaments. With its presence in 25 states in Mexico and more than 85 casinos, Codere is positioned as a leader in the industry.

Several more poker rooms are already under construction. That’s according to comments Codere Regional Director of Live Gaming for LatAm Marcelo Silva made in an interview with Spanish-language poker news site Codigo Poker.

In addition to Mexico, Codere, which has dabbled in poker tournaments throughout Latin America in the past, is live in six other countries. Eventually, although Codere didn’t confirm it, all of the properties could conceivably host dedicated poker rooms if things go well.

Supporting that cause will be the Codere Poker Series. The new brand, according to the company, reinforces the company’s “commitment to offering a diverse and enriching entertainment experience” for its customers.

Codere is confident that its adherence to international poker standards and rules will help it become a recognized participant in the ecosystem.

Codere Continues to Evolve

Codere has been undergoing several significant changes over the past few years. Most notably were the takeover by creditors and shareholders and the spin-off of its online gaming arm, Codere Online.

It has come a long way since then, and is starting to find solid ground. A week ago, Codere reported operating revenue of €335 million (US$359.35 million) for the second quarter, 5% more than the previous year.

This comes despite some challenges in the LatAm market. Most notably, it had to shutter several gaming properties in Argentina and Mexico over controversial “non-compliance” issues. Several subsequently reopened.

As a result, revenue from the Mexican market lost 3.1% from the first-quarter results. However, it was still up more than 14% compared to a year earlier. Argentina lost 12% from the 2022 second-quarter results.