Greece to grant new casino license for IRC in Elliniko
*Image source: ekathimerini.
*Image source: ekathimerini.
In an announcement last Thursday, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) - the body responsible for granting new casino operating licenses - has started consultations for the approval of a casino permit at Elliniko, Attica’s biggest development project.
In 2014 property developer Lamda singed a 99-year lease with the state to convert 620 hectares at the former airport in Elliniko, southern Athens, into an integrated resort of luxury residences, hotels, a yachting marina and casinos.
The so-called Hellinikon Integrated Resort Casino (IRC) will be built over more than 600,000 square meters and include a mix of hotels, convention and exhibition facilities, themed attractions, entertainment, a 15,000 sq.m. casino, shops, gourmet restaurants, and other tourist attractions.
Elliniko is a landmark urban development project that is expected to create 10,000 jobs during the construction period and 75,000 jobs afterwards.
The HGC has invited interested parties to participate in the consultation by submitting their feedback and comments on the initial teaser by September 10. The submission of comments during consultation may reveal a number of investors interesting in funding the IRC, which should be expected before the beginning of October, as time is running out to complete the process.
The IRC in Elliniko is not just about the licensing of a gaming facility the commission said but “reflects the collective vision and commitment to collaborate on the further development and implementation of a sustainable tourism destination.”
The HGC foresees a “world-class integrated resort casino operation as an important part of Elliniko, a project destined to transform the wider area of Athens and improve the lives of millions of residents of and visitors to our capital city, as well as to enhance the Greek tourism product and become a growth engine for the Greek economy.”