Mohegan gets green light for Greece’s first integrated resort

The US tribal operator has received approval from the Greek regulator to develop the Hellinikon project in Athens.

Greece.- US tribal casino operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) has got the green light to develop Greece’s first integrated resort and casino.

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) has granted the operator a licence to construct a luxury hotel and casino with entertainment venues, a convention centre and shopping and dining options at the former  Hellinikon International Airport in the Greek capital.

MGE’s bid for the project in partnership with local group Gek Terna won the tender in January after the rival bidder Hard Rock International was disqualified.

Hard Rock went on to appeal against its exclusion from the tender but its appeal was rejected in May.

Dubbed Inspire Athens, the Hellinikon project is expected to create up to 7,000 direct and indirect jobs during and after construction to boost international tourism by at least 10 per cent.

MGE president and chief executive, Mario Kontomerkos, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen by the HGC and believe that as the first integrated resort and casino experience in Greece, Inspire Athens will further solidify the city of Athens as one of Europe’s most enticing and iconic destinations.

“We recognise the importance of this transformative effort for Greece and are looking forward to leading the charge for one of the most ambitious development projects ever undertaken in the country.”