Northern Cyprus authorities are reportedly considering the possibility to lift a long-standing casino gambling ban on Turkish Cypriots, the Cyprus Mail reported Wednesday citing media outlets from the northern portion of the Mediterranean island.
Discussions are believed to have been triggered by the recent opening of a casino in the Republic of Cyprus’ city of Limassol. According to media reports, Northern Cyprus officials have expressed concerns that Turkish Cypriots could feel tempted to cross the Green Line (the United Nations Buffer Zone that separates the two parts of the island of Cyprus) and visit the new gambling venue.
While it was only last month that the Republic of Cyprus opened its first legal casino, Northern Cyprus has long been home to flashy gambling facilities. However, residents of the northern portion of the island are prohibited from visiting and gambling at the local casinos.
Hong Kong-listed gaming and hospitality giant Melco International Development opened late last month its temporary casino in Limassol, while a larger integrated resort is under construction in the city. The facility features 242 slot machines and 33 gaming tables. Melco said yesterday that Cyprus Casinos or C2 as the property is branded welcomed more than 34,000 unique visitors during its first three weeks of operation to beat owners’ expectations.
Mixed Reports from Northern Cyprus
According to reports from Turkish Cypriot news outlet Haberal Kibrisli, Northern Cyprus Finance Ministry Serdar Denktash has revealed that discussions over the potential lifting of the casino gambling ban have been taking place.
However, in a separate rollout of reports, Kudret Ozersay, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Northern Cyprus, has denied the move on social media. The official has pointed out that there were no such plans and that there was no need for such reports to be spread around.
Mr. Ozersay further explained that instead of offering residents of Northern Cyprus a free entry into casinos, the government should introduce stricter controls at the gambling venues and stricter license conditions as well as increased taxes.
Another local news outlet, Vatan, has cited the leader of the United Cyprus Party, Izzet Izcan, saying that Turkish Cypriots should not be encouraged to gamble at casinos and that the Prime Minister of the republic should clarify the ongoing debate.
Aside from its temporary casino in Limassol, Melco is also set to open four satellite facilities across the Republic of Cyprus, with the first two of these likely to be launched by the end of the year. Cyprus Casinos President Craig Ballantyne has said recently that the current play field is not level as Northern Cyprus has an established gambling industry, while gambling advertising rules in the Republic of Cyprus are preventing Melco from promoting its operation more actively. The official has also pointed out that the huge number of illegal operations across the island is another major hurdle before their property. Melco’s main resort is slated to open doors in 2021.
Related News
Genting Subsidiaries Sell $1 Billion Bond to Finance Vegas Casino Construction
Wynn Executives Concealed Sexual Misconduct Allegations against Steve Wynn
