The Greek-controlled southern side of Cyprus will finally get to see a land-based casino in the flesh.
The announcement was made by Commerce Minister George Lakkotrypis in a statement, saying that the bill that will regulate casinos in the island is set to be submitted later this month and as soon as it’s approved – everybody seems to agree that it’s a foregone conclusion – a fast-track license is expected to be processed in as little as eight months.
That would pave the way for the first land-based casino license to be issued sometime in March or April next year, an expeditious turn towards appreciating the merits of having a casino to help spur economic growth.
While the Turkish-controlled northern side of the country has had casino for years, it’s southern counterpart has brushed off any thought of lifting its own ban on these gaming establishments. Opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as concerns by Greek Cypriots of the perceived social dangers of casinos largely contributed to the southern island of Cyprus keeping casinos out of its shores.
But even with the boisterous voices of those opposed to casinos, economic instability and rising unemployment has become too much of a burden for its people. As a result, desperation has forced the the lawmakers’ collective hands to finally acquiesce to legalizing casinos in its shores.
Once legislation passes, the cabinet plans to approve one “super-casino resort” that will have its own smaller branches in other towns. The hope is that this super casino will attract a trove of deep-pocketed tourists to drop their money in a country that has become more and more dependent on boosting its tourism industry to help ease its bludgeoned economy.
source : www.calvinayre.com
