Lawmakers in Greece are expected to vote before Christmas on a bill to legalize three casino resorts in Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. The measure, which observers said is likely to pass, also would allow current gambling facilities to relocate. In addition, the bill would change the gaming tax to a flat rate instead of 22-35 percent of gross gaming revenue; the specific rate would be determined later.
Upon passage of the measure, the Hellenic Gaming Commission would license the three new properties and regulate any casinos’ requests to relocate. Currently nine gambling venues, including two casino cruises, operate in Greece.
Under the new bill, metro Athens’ only casino, the Hyatt-Regency operated Casino Mont Parnes, would be allowed to move closer to the Acropolis, 25 miles away, from the top of Mont Parnitha. With Greece’s largest gaming floor, it offers more than 700 slot machines and 50 table games. If the bill is approved, casinos in Thessaloniki, Loutraki, Rio in Patras and Alexandroupolis in the northeast, and Florina on the border with Albania and Macedonia, would be permitted to relocate.
According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, investment in the nation dropped 6 percent in the third quarter. The Greek Parliament hopes new casinos in tourism destinations will attract more visitors; 29 million people visited in 2016. Officials said increased tourism would lead private companies to increase investment in Greece. Tourism represents 18 percent of the country’s economic activity.
