The casino expansion and relocation provisions come as part of a planned overhaul of the country’s gambling regulatory regime. It is important to note that the industry reform is pushed by the Greek Ministry of Finance.
The gambling overhaul bill was introduced earlier this year and basically calls for a certain amount of liberalization of the Greek gambling market and for changes in the way the provision of different types of gambling services is regulated.
The bill’s provisions are concerned with both the land-based and the online gambling sectors. As far as Greece’s land-based casino industry is concerned, the legislative piece will allow the construction of casino venues in popular tourism spots around the country, including the islands of Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini.
The gambling bill actually includes a proposal for issuing three new casino licenses for the above-mentioned three locations. In addition to this, six existing casinos will be allowed to relocate their operations under the legislative piece, which is currently under consideration by the Greek government.
If the bill gains the necessary support among lawmakers, it could see the relocation of Regency Casino Mont Parnes, the only casino in the Greek capital Athens. Other casinos that will be relocated will include the facilities in the cities of Thessaloniki, Rio, Loutraki, Florina, and Alexandroupolis.
Source: GMB / Casino News Daily
