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Legislation

Cyprus – Cyprus to launch September tender for five venue operator

By - 28 July 2015

September will see the Cyprus casino drive speed up a gear with the launch of a ‘competitive, non-discriminatory and transparent’ two-stage procedure to select the sole licensee for the Integrated Casino Resort.

The Operations and Casino Control Legislation of 2015 was brought into law with its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic on July 21, 2015. The bill was passed by a vote of 29 to 22.

A government statement said: “In September 2015, the ministry of energy, commerce, industry and tourism shall proceed with a competitive, non-discriminatory and transparent two-stage procedure to select the single licensee for the Integrated Casino Resort.

The new legislation will allow for one casino resort with slots and table gaming, a smaller casino with up to five tables and three satellites slot only venues. There will be a ban on allowing credit to players with entrance restrictions for Cypriot players who will need to obtain a special permit after their tax file is checked, confirming proof of income. The minimum age for players will be set at 21.

The government added: “The world class casino shall include at least 100 gaming tables and 1,000 gaming machines. Should the operator wish to install more than 200 gaming tables and/or 2,000 gaming machines, approval from the CGC shall be required. The operator will have the option to develop, in addition to the ICR, up to four satellite casino premises, in districts other than the one where the ICR will be located. Each will be licensed for the operation of up to 50 gaming machines per location. One of these locations may exercise an additional option to operate up to five gaming tables. For the purposes of the limitations on gaming tables and gaming machines, electronic table games shall be classified as gaming tables. Other activities and facilities are not prescribed but should aim to develop the ICR’s proposition in a manner that best supports the strategic objectives of the Government. Examples of such other facilities include, but are not limited to, conference and meeting facilities, convention facilities, paid for attractions, complementary attractions, sports facilities, sports venues, entertainment venues, tourist facilities, retail and dining facilities and recreational amenities. Interested Candidates are left free to propose such blend of facilities and attractions in accordance with their business model and what they consider best suited for the purposes of the Cyprus Integrated Casino Resort.”

“The ICR shall consist of a combination of integrated facilities, activities and premises which exist under a plan prepared by the operator and proposed during the licensing process and which has been approved and licensed by the CGC,” it added. “The premises shall be developed and operated by the operator, and shall include, inter alia, a casino of international standards, a hotel or hotels of international standards and other activities and facilities. The international standard hotel or hotels shall exceed the requirements for a five star hotel as these are determined by the Hotel and Tourist Accommodation laws and regulations and shall offer in total at least 500 luxury rooms.”

It added: “The competitive procedure shall be carried out in two phases to select a candidate capable and willing to develop and operate an ICR in the Republic of Cyprus. The purpose of the first phase is to pre-qualify candidates for participation in the second phase, based on overall financial stability, experience in developing and operating ICRs, understanding of the Cyprus market and vision for the project. In the second phase, an RFP process will be conducted requiring the pre-qualified candidates to submit their comprehensive proposals in order to choose the preferred candidate who will, subject to ratification by the Council of Ministers, be issued the ICR license by the Casino Gaming Commission.”

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