AKEL seeks safeguards in casino legislation

The leader of main opposition AKEL on Friday reiterated its opposition to the creation of casinos in the Republic but said he understood that the decision had been taken and it was supported by the majority of parties.

“What interests us now is the formation of the best possible framework to include safeguards that will limit potential negative effects on Cypriot society and maximise the positives that may arise,” Andros Kyprianou said following a meeting with Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis.

Kyprianou said his party would study the bill and come up with proposals to that effect.

AKEL’s administration, under Demetris Christofias, had flatly refused to consider the creation of casinos on ideological grounds, consistently brushing off suggestions that Greek Cypriots could spend their money at casinos in the Republic as opposed to the occupied north, which is currently the case.

On coming to power, the current government asked the tourism organisation (CTO) to update a 2007 study into the creation of casinos to help them decide on the form they would take.

The government has decided to license one integrated casino resort with four satellites in four districts.

They will have up to 50 gambling machines each.

Lakkotrypis said his meeting with Kyprianou had kicked off the dialogue with parties regarding the legislation and licensing procedures.

“We explained the safeguards in place even in the conditions of the competition, which will be announced very soon,” Lakkotrypis said. “Welookforwardtoaconstructivedialogue.”

The bill was currently being processed by the legal service.

 

 

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