Las Vegas Sands Pondering Casino Resort in Greek Capital Athens

Las Vegas Sands is hoping to get their hands on the much-coveted, untapped territory of Athens.

After cancelling plans for the EUR 30 billion Eurovegas casino resort near Madrid, Las Vegas Sands is considering entering the Greek gambling market. The world’s largest casino operator is examining the possibility of opening a gambling venue in Greek capital Athens.

Currently, most Greek casinos operate on the islands, so a gambling venue in Athens would be a big hit, especially with all the tourists visiting the capital. And with internet gambling in Greece being banned by law, players have no other option but to turn to land-based casinos.

Same location, new project

The idea of opening a casino in Athens was first put up for debate in 1994, when the first licenses were issued under Greek gambling laws. Even Las Vegas Sands has shown interest in the capital city before, namely in 2007, with a proposal for a casino in the former international airport at Elliniko.

Both local authorities and Greek casino operators objected to these plans. Back then, developer Loutraki reminded officials that they had promised not to let any casinos operate in the capital. It’s no secret that when Las Vegas Sands has plans for a new venue, its management board doesn’t just sit around and wait for a chance to make bids. Instead, they negotiate directly with the government.

Even if plans for a casino in Athens don’t work out, the developer is not giving up on the European market. According to chief executive officer Sheldon Adelson, the company is looking to extend their business in various capitals, including Rome and Paris.