Two satellite casino facilities will open doors at the Larnaca International Airport by the end of the year under an agreement between Integrated Casino Resorts Cyprus and Hermes Airport Ltd., a joint statement by the two companies says.
Integrated Resorts Cyprus represents the joint venture between Hong Kong-based gaming and hospitality giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment and its Cypriot partner CNS Group. The two companies were selected as the preferred bidder for the development of the first integrated resort with a casino floor in the Republic of Cyprus. Under the term of their license from the Cypriot government, Melco and CNS Group are also set to open four satellite casinos across the tiny Mediterranean republic.
The recently signed agreement with Hermes Airports, the company operating the Larnaca International Airport, will allow Melco and its local partner to establish two gaming facilities at the airport. The agreement has a two-year term and an option for renewal.
The first facility will be located in the departures area and is expected to become operational in the next three months. Only departing passengers will be able to access it. The other facility will be established in the arrivals section of the airport and will be accessible to everyone. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Both facilities will be branded Cyprus Casinos. They will feature slot machines only and no gaming tables. It is yet to be determined whether the satellite casino at the Larnaca International Airport will be open 24 hours.
Melco Hails First Days of Temporary Casino Operation
News about Melco’s agreement with the Larnaca International Airport emerge days after the company said that its temporary casino in Limassol welcomed 34,000 unique visitors during its first three weeks of operation thus beating original expectations. The property opened doors on June 28 as a temporary operation while the main City of Dreams Mediterranean resort is under construction.
Melco revealed that guests from 41 countries played at its casino during its first days. Patrons from Cyprus, Greece, Israel, the United Kingdom, and Russia represented the largest group of players, and slot machines followed by American Roulette proved to be the most popular games.
The temporary operation currently features 242 slot machines and 33 gaming tables, a VIP salon, a restaurant, and two bars. It is open 24/7 and players must be 21 or over in order to be admitted to the gaming floor. Melco has said that 6,000 patrons have joined its rewards program since the casino opened doors.
The main resort is currently under development in Limassol. The property is slated to open doors in 2021. Melco plans to invest more than €550 million into what would be its first integrated resort outside Asia. The company has said that it would look to combat seasonality in Cyprus by establishing an operation that would be drawing visitors all year round.
