Greece has put Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment into the next phase of a long-delayed tender process to build and operate a luxury casino resort in Athens but rejected Hard Rock International, a source close to the matter has said.
The two US groups had bid in October for the construction and 30-year operation of the casino resort, with Mohegan partnered by Greek construction company GEK TERNA.
€8 Billion Development
The winner of the tender will build a casino on a site of at least 1.2 hectares, with a minimum of 120 gaming tables and 1,200 slot machines. There will also be a luxury hotel, entertainment venues, a conference centre and sports centre in a planned €8 billion tourist resort on the site of the former Athens airport in Hellenikon.
Failure To Meet Criteria
Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the source said that Hard Rock submitted documents that failed to meet the tender's criteria for financing of the project and required construction experience.
Right To Appeal
Once the bidders are officially notified of the decision, they have the right to appeal within 10 days. The opening of the technical offers will then follow.
Tourist Numbers
Greece attracted a record 33 million tourists in 2018, with last year's number expected to match that.
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