The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus could get an influx of 32 new casinos
Up to 32 new casinos could be allowed in Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus with Economy Minister’ Olgun Amcaoglu stating that ‘at least 28,000 new jobs’ will be created due to casino laws being relaxed
Mr Amcaoglu said: “With these permits, it is expected that at least 28,000 new jobs will be created. Around 40,000 people are currently employed in the tourism sector. There will be a significant increase in this number with the new permits. This situation is a great opportunity for the country’s economy. In many island countries, like Malta, the service sector is the cornerstone of development. We also need to take steps by taking this model into consideration. Casinos are also a part of this sector.”
Last week the government in the north voted to relax casino laws with new rules on where they can be permitted and a downgrade of the ban on Turkish Cypriots from entering casinos to a €50 fine.
Dogus Derya, a politician for the opposition party CTP, warned, however: “Turkey can be inspected because it is a state within international law, but this is a place outside international law. After offshore banks, are casinos being turned into a laundering ground for dirty money again? Do we want to be remembered in the world as a place which deals with drugs, human trafficking, and money laundering? Who are the people who are asking you to make these legal arrangements?”
CTP member MP Salahi Sahiner added: “These regulations will make it easier for tax payments to be delayed and for unlimited casino permits to be granted. The Government is about to make one of the biggest mistakes in history while people’s lives are becoming more difficult day by day, and the Government is aiming to protect the interests of the casinos.”
“The state of public finances is obvious and it has reached a point where we cannot even buy a needle without borrowing, while tension in society has practically brought us to the brink of civil war, but the Government’s only concern is to protect the interests of casinos.”
Casinos have been a huge business in the TRNC since Turkey outlawed casinos on the mainland in 1997, employing 80,500 people. There are approximately 30 casinos in TRNC with the majority located in Kyrenia, Famagusta and Nicosia.
Caption: Grand Pacha Casino in Kyrenia
