G1 Entertainment announced it will invest 0 million in the second phase of expansion at its Tigre de Cristal, the largest casino in Russia. GI Executive Director Craig Ballantyne said, “The project totaling 0 million will contribute to further development of the economy by increasing tourism, subsequently, the development of the region and provide direct employment opportunities for more than 2,000 people.”
Ballantyne said the new 328,084 square foot facility will include 400-500 hotel rooms, a shopping mall, food court, restaurants and bars, conference and banquet facilities and a spa, a possibly a golf course.
In the past year the number of visitors to Tigre de Cristal has doubled from 500 to 1,000 people per day, for a total of more than 200,000, Ballantyne said. The largest increase, more than 95,000 people, occurred July to September. He added the number of international flights to the region has tripled.
Ballantyne said this year G1 has invested $12.4 million in general infrastructure improvements and landscaping at the $130 million Tigre de Cristal. During its first year the casino generated $2 million in gaming taxes.
