Cyprus signs deal to build ‘Europe’s largest casino’
NICOSIA, Cyprus — Cyprus signed a deal Monday for the construction of what officials say will be Europe’s biggest casino.
The small Mediterranean island nation’s government backed proposals from a consortium made up of Hong Kong-based Melco International, the U.S.’s Hard Rock and local firm CNS Group to build the casino resort in the coastal town of Limassol.
The proposed casino will include 136 gambling tables and 1,200 gambling machines, while the adjoining luxury hotel will have a 500-room capacity, a health spa and 1,500-seat concert hall.
According to Cyprus’ Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, the resort will cost more than 500 million euros ($558 million) to build and will create around 4,000 new jobs during construction. He said another 4,000 jobs will be created once the resort is up and running.