Possible creation of new casino resorts - Greece

The idea of integrated casino resorts (Integrated Resort, IR) is logical for Greece: a strong tourist brand, a long season, a cruising stream of cruises and a unique "night economy" at sea. The question is not only in the "new casino," but in a multifunctional complex that connects Hotel 5, a congress center, show theaters, gastronomy, a shopping gallery, spa/medical wellness and a carefully zoned playroom. Below is a practical map of how such objects can appear, where they belong and what conditions make the project sustainable.

1) What is IR in Greek

Core: hotel 500-1,500 rooms, congress center for 3-8 thousand seats, theater/concert stage, complex of restaurants and bars, spa and sports areas, life events all year round.

Game part: tables (roulette, blackjack, poker) + modern slot area, VIP spaces with separate access, strict RG circuit.

Bundles: sea embankment/marina, near airport, highways, neighboring attractions, partnerships with cruise lines.

2) Possible locations (scenario)

Attica (wider than Athens): Access to the largest airport and MICE demand. IR with a strong congressional function fills the low season.

Thessaloniki: the northern gate of the country, the logistics hub of the Balkans. Emphasis on exhibitions, gastronomy and weekend tourism.

Crete: long season, mixed flow of family and premium holidays. IR as the "anchor" of shoulder seasons (spring/autumn).

Ionian Islands (Corfu, etc.): European aesthetics, yachting, historical ensembles - boutique-IR format with strict heritage rules.

Dodecanese/Southern Aegean Sea (e.g. Rhodes): developed beach cluster and eventfulness; IR in synergy with marina and festivals.

Peloponnese (resort areas): access by autotourists, golf clusters; bet on wellness and sports events.

💡 Site selection should rely on transport accessibility, no conflicts with heritage sites, MICE potential and year-round content.

3) Economic effect (framework)

Tourism: Growth in average trip check, season extension, more direct flights and cruise calls.

Jobs: construction (contractors, engineering) → operation (F&B, hotel, stage, IT, security, Responsible Gaming).

Fiscal revenues: licenses, taxes on GGR, corporate and personal income tax, indirect revenues through local purchases and services.

City and region: new public spaces, improvement of embankments, culture and gastronomy as a separate product.

4) Social and environmental requirements

RG-policy by design: limits, pauses, self-exclusion, staff training, visual RG-zones, understandable bonus rules.

Ecology: energy efficiency (LEED/BREEAM), smart water systems, solar panels, shadow infrastructure for heat, shoreline protection.

Mobility: public transport, bicycle access, parking-sinks without overloading historical centers.

Heritage and species corridors: integration into the urban fabric without visual aggression; coordination with monument protection authorities.

5) IR Product Matrix

MICE: Conventions, trade shows, corporate summits are the core of the low season.

Shows and culture: touring programs, local festivals, classics/jazz/world music, theatrical productions.

Gastronomy: Greek cuisine from bistro to fine dining, chef collaborations, local farm supplies.

Wellness/copper tourism: spa, thermal and thalasso programs, "quiet" wings for retreats.

Retail and crafts: galleries of local brands and products - souvenirs without kitsch, design collaborations.

Game hall: modern slot ecosystem, live tables, calendar poker tournaments, VIP part with strict protocols.

6) Legal and financial model (in general terms)

PPP/concession model: land/development right + public space obligations.

Licensing: separate permits for casino, hotel, MICE, entertainment; RNG technical regulations, reporting, AML/KYC.

Financing: "classic" (equity + project financing), possible green/social bonds due to sustainable components.

Localization of contracts: at least X% of purchases from Greek companies, personnel training programs.

7) Risks and how to reduce them

Seasonality and weather shocks: strong programming calendar outside the beach season, betting on MICE/culture.

Overload of the location: transport plan and caps of attendance, "spraying" of flows in time.

RG reputational risks: process auditing, transparent analytics, partnerships with NGOs and hotlines.

Construction risks: fixed-price parts of contracts, buffer for terms, independent technical supervision.

Exchange rate/financial: insurance, hedging, staged-financing.

8) Design and identity

Architecture "light and stone": white surfaces, shadow, pergolas, through wind corridors, view terraces.

Greek mythology is delicate: references in art objects and light scenarios, without theatrical overload.

Night aesthetics: music of live scenes, soft light, water - instead of aggressive "neon."

Inclusiveness: barrier-free environment, navigation, multilingual interfaces (GR/EN + seasonal EU languages).

9) Project Roadmap (48-60 month sketch)

1. 0-6 months of pre-feasibility study: site selection, transport, ecology, RG-frame, preliminary master plan.

2. 6-12 months feasibility study and financing structure, public hearings, design code, applications for permits/licenses.

3. 12-24 months Engineering (AP→CD), EPC/fit-out tenders, site preparation, communication plan with city.

4. 24-42 months. Construction of a "box," engineering, landscape, in parallel - the selection of F&B operators, shows, retail.

5. 36-48 months Commissioning, pilot events, personnel training, test of RG processes, "soft" start.

6. 48-60 months Full launch, MICE calendar for 2 years ahead, KPI monitoring.

10) IR stability KPI

Tourism: off-season loading, average trip duration, share of "new" airline routes.

Economy: employment of local residents, share of local purchases, tax revenues.

Society and RG: the proportion of guests using limits/pauses, response time to risk signals, calls to help services.

Ecology: energy/water consumption per guest, RES share, waste processing, air/noise quality.

Content: number of international events, occupancy rates, media outlets.

11) What matters to players and guests

Transparent rules and limits in one tap; honest bonus terms without "small print."

Multilingual service and easy navigation through spaces.

Culture and gastronomy on a par with the game - so that the evening is diverse and "in moderation."

12) Vision 2030 (estimated)

Greece can form an "IR arc": one major congress anchor in the mainland area + 1-2 boutique-IR resorts in the islands. Sustainability will be provided by MICE calendar, cultural festivals, green standards and a mature RG ecosystem. In such a scenario, new casino resorts will become not "gaming enclaves," but public cultural and tourist centers that increase the value of the territory and "include" the economy around them.

Conclusion: for Greece, integrated casino resorts are a tool for extending the season, strengthening MICE and urban/island infrastructure. A successful project is built on the right location, a strong public program and strict responsibility: from RG and ecology to honest payments and transparent architecture. It is this balance of "beauty, measure and benefit" that turns IR into a long asset for the city, region and country.