The Hellenic Gaming Commission has awarded a consortium headed by Inspire Athens the concession to operate Greece’s first integrated resort casino (IRC) in the capital city, part of the multibillion-dollar Hellinikon project.
Inspire Athens, fully owned by Greek construction group GEK Terna, will pay $150 million to the state as a licensing fee. The consortium holds a €1 billion contract for the construction of an integrated complex casino around two main towers of 200 and 100 meters (656 and 328 feet) in height, respectively.
Inspire Athens won out over U.S. firms Mohegan Gaming and Hard Rock International for the license. However, last week the ekatiimerini.com news site reported that Hard Rock is looking to acquire controlling interest in Inspire Athens by the end of the year.
The entire development comprises 6.2 million square meters (66.7 million square feet), including a luxury, 120,000-square-meter hotel of 3,450 beds, a conference and exhibition center of 23,700 square meters, and a sports and cultural center with a capacity for 10,500 people. The complex will also comprise entertainment venues, shopping, dining and a comprehensive mix of premium amenities.
Inspire Athens IRC is expected to create more than 7,000 jobs in the region during and after construction.
