Israel to Launch First Casino in Eilat Region

A first casino in Israel no longer seems like a distant possibility thanks to government’s plans to turn the Eilat resort into the latest gambling hub, the latest reports have suggested.

According to Channel 10, the Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has instructed two of his close associates to conduct a feasibility study with a view of opening the country’s first ever casino in the city of Eilat.

The city on the Red Sea has long ago become a popular tourist resort, but the government plans to improve its appeal by building casinos to boost the entertainment sector.

Israeli government has two plans in the works regarding said casino development, with the first of these looking more likely.

Two Ways to Go

Namely, they hope to add gaming tables to existing hotel establishments in Eilat, predominantly targeting companies that already operate casinos in other parts of the world.

An unlikely alternative would see a new gaming venue developed from scratch on the site of the existing Eilat airport, with the new airport already under construction at another site.

Israel’s minister of tourism, Yariv Levin, went on to confirm the reports, making it clear that he agrees with the plans to further boost the country’s economy through the development of gaming establishments on the Red Sea coast.

The country’s chiefs are well aware of the social effect these land-based casinos would have and he is adamant the government will ensure that all gaming companies operating in Israel would have to comply with strict rules designed to prevent any illegal behaviour.

Las Vegas Sands Ready to Pounce

It was Las Vegas Sands president Sheldon Adelson who attempted to build a casino in Eilat back in 2003, hoping to replicate Las Vegas in Israel’s most famous resort, but he was ultimately forced to abandon his plans.

Nevertheless, with Adelson a close friend of the current Israel Prime Minister, there is a chance his company will rekindle interest in entering this attractive market, especially if the government can put their plans into motion any time soon.

World’s largest gaming companies would probably be invited to participate in a tender process, and no doubts that Las Vegas Sands Corp. would be one of those.