Nicosia paves way for first casino

NICOSIA – Cyprus will grant its first license for a casino resort within about a year, the government said on Friday, to be built in the south of the island where gambling has been strictly prohibited. Scores of Greek Cypriots regularly cross into the north of Cyprus, a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state recognized only by Ankara and where there are several casinos.

The ruling Conservatives see allowing gambling as vital for the tourism industry, creating jobs and attracting big spenders, particularly after last year’s international financial bailout.

Cyprus’s previous communist government, in power until early 2013, had flatly refused to entertain the idea despite reported interest from foreign operators.

Some Cypriots still see gambling as socially and morally undesirable.

The island draws about 2 million tourists a year, with the sector representing about 10 percent of overall output.

Authorities said they would invite expressions of interest in a two-stage selection process once approval of relevant legislation is approved by parliament. [Reuters]