Ocean’s Eleven

Every now and again reports surface about the creation of casinos in Cyprus. Over the past couple of months the frequency of these rumours has increased considerably with various ministers (finance, communications) being quoted and billionaire investors itching to be the first to acquire the much coveted licence.

This goes against our President’s anti-gambling principles who stated a couple of years ago that as long as he is in power there will be no casinos. However an Akel MP (Mouskallis) said around the same time that AKEL will favour the creation of a casino provided the time is right. It appears that the recession, rising unemployment, shortage of liquidity are the pre-requizites for such a venture.

However when strolling around the main cities one cannot fail to see shops with a humongous sign hanging outside stating ‘Casino’ or to be more precise ‘On Line Casino’. According to unofficial reports there are said to be close to 200 such establishments. There is even one called the Bellagio which was raided recently by police but no Danny Ocean’s or Reuben Tishkoffs were arrested.

Of course there are plenty of proper ‘pseudo’ casinos in the occupied parts which are crammed with Greek Cypriots betting their real money in return for pseudo money. The recent rumours though have alarmed the president of the casinos association in the north, Mr. Etsensoi, as the realization of such rumours will have a disastrous effect on their industy.

I am certain that our president will find a solution to please all, always taking into consideration what’s best (according to him) for Kyproulla, however and above all, without any ashphyxiating time frames. 

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.