A casino venture situated within the recently renovated Santiago Bernabeu

Inaugurated in 1947, the Santiago Bernabeu stadium holds an inseparable bond with Real Madrid. Currently undergoing significant renovations, this mythical venue is displaying signs of aging. To tackle the overwhelming expenses associated with this project, Real Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez, has devised a rather unexpected solution: the establishment of a casino within the stadium premises.

Funding the construction of the new stadium through the establishment of a casino.

It has been nearly a year since we last held any matches at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, which boasts over 80,000 seats. The renovation work has been so extensive that Zinedine Zidane's team has had to temporarily relocate to the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium. The completion of this massive project is not expected until the summer of 2022 or possibly even the early months of 2024.

In the grand scheme of things, it is worth mentioning that the renowned football club, with thirteen Champions League victories under its belt, had a clear vision. The extensive refurbishment of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, which is projected to exceed a whopping 575 million euros, was meticulously planned. To offset this substantial expenditure, Florentino Pérez, the club president, made the strategic decision to integrate a colossal shopping complex adjacent to the stadium. Additionally, a state-of-the-art museum showcasing the club's illustrious history and a monumental 360° video screen that rotates seamlessly within the stands were envisioned. Furthermore, an intriguing addition within the stadium premises itself will be a full-fledged casino.

Florentino Pérez's surprising decision has raised eyebrows among observers, especially due to the seemingly incongruous connection between football and a casino. However, driven by the desire to maximize revenue, Pérez is actively seeking a strategic partnership that would generate an impressive annual turnover of 120 million euros for the casino alone. Interestingly, this establishment is planned to be situated within one of the wings of Santiago Bernabeu, adding a unique twist to the iconic stadium's offerings.

A decision that is being discussed in Spain

No details have been disclosed yet about how this upcoming casino will be managed. It is highly probable that Real Madrid will initiate a bidding process to award the gambling area license to an operator. Consequently, the profits will be divided among the club, the operating firm, and the local government.

In light of the recent legislation passed by the Spanish government regarding gambling, this undertaking is equally astonishing.

You'll have to wait a bit longer to discover the new Santiago Bernabeu! Starting from the 2024-2022 season, clubs won't be able to be sponsored by a gambling house, leading to a significant decrease in advertisements related to casino games or sports betting.