Well-informed sources told the English-language weekly Cyprus Weekly that five of the six companies that bought the tender documents for 10.000 euros were Malaysian Genting, American Hard Rock, South Africa's Sun International, Cambodia's Naga Corp and the French Bouygues.
The start of the expression of interest for the casino of Cyprus was announced on December 18 and lasts until December 18.
The companies
Government sources told CyprusWeekly that the first impression of the companies that showed interest was positive. The following is a summary of five of the six companies:
-Malaysian Genting is a colossal company operating hotels and casinos in Malaysia, Singapore, Macao, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Genting representatives have visited Cyprus, spoken to officials and secured local partners.
-Sun International has a chain of hotels and casinos with extensive interests in South Africa. Founded by the entertaining entrepreneur Sol Kezner, it is best known for its huge casino resort in the Rustenburg region of South Africa.
Hard Rock is an international hotel chain that operates casinos in Hollywood, Tampa, Florida, Biloxi, Las Vegas and Norfield Park in the United States.
-Naga Corp is the largest hotel and casino company in Cambodia.
French Bouygues specializes in online gambling and reportedly has already found a local partner.
Government sources told Cyprus Weekly that other companies are expected to express formal interest.
Once the preferred investor secures the license, in 2016, the goal is to build and operate a casino within the next three years.
Source: Cyprus Weekly