Mohegan Gaming Entertainment (MGE) and Hard Rock International are two casino operators from Connecticut competing for integrated resort license in Greece city of Athens. The winning bidder for the project was expected to be announced this month, but this will be delayed after officials revealed that one operator didn’t submit some of its financial reports. Local media revealed that the omission could delay the announcement for a period of three to six months.
More Delays
Following the debt crisis in Greece, Hellenikon airport was closed; now, the government wants to modify the venue into a famous tourist destination by building an integrated resort, though the efforts are now being delayed. Casino.org reported that bureaucratic procedures and delays prompted Caesars Entertainment and Genting Malaysia to abandon the Greek race. Hard Rock and MGE emerged as the only operators interested in Greece integrated resort project.
However, the newly elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is prioritizing in speeding the casino approval process. He hopes that this will be an avenue to expand Greece’s economic recovery.
Winning Bidder Announcement
It’s important for Greek regulator to announce the winning bidder so that the development of the $9 billion Hellenikon project can commence. Landa Development is overseeing the rehabilitation of the area, while the winner of the bidder will focus on building a gaming venue and other amenities.
Hard Rock had promised a $1.1 billion gaming property and employment of 1.600 permanent roles. The company claimed the project could be completed 20-26 months after groundbreaking. The winning bidder will be handed the monopoly of operating casinos in Greece, which will include 1,200 slot machines and 120 table games. The resort will also incorporate convention venues.
