Hard Rock is no longer in the race for Greek casino

Hard Rock International has been ruled out of the Greek casino licence contention and Mohegan Gaming seems to be the front runner.

Greece.- The race to obtain the licence for the upcoming casino to be built in Elliniko seems to be close to its finishing line, as the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) has accepted a committee’s rejection of Hard Rock International’s bid.

Hard Rock submitted documents that failed to pass the criteria to finance the project. It also didn’t have the required construction experience, according to a source from Reuters. Hard Rock will have the right to appeal within 10 days of the official notice.

The other contender for the bid was Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, which seems to be the front runner to win the bid, as Hard Rock is now eliminated. Mohegan partnered with Greek construction company GEK Terna for the project.

Last month, Hard Rock said that there would be “mass appeals” if the commission decided to eliminate them from the process. The company explained that it wouldn’t sit back if the tender went sideways.

Mohegan also said that it would follow such path if the same thing happened, and said that it would challenge the process in case of non-compliance.

The company that wins the tender will be in charge of building a casino of at least 1.2 hectares. It will also feature around 120 gaming tables and 1200 slots. The facility will also have a hotel, a conference centre and a sports centre.

Hard Rock’s proposal

Hard Rock International had proposed a self-funded project with €250 million, and the rest would’ve been covered with Greek and foreign bank loans. The facility was designed to feature a casino, a hotel, a conference centre, restaurants and more entertainment options. It would’ve also created thousands of jobs for local citizens.