Northern Cyprus expects relaxation of casino rules to create 28,000 new jobs
The number of casinos in Northern Cyprus could double following the approval of new rules.
Northern Cyprus.- Olgun Amcaoglu, economy minister of the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has claimed that a decision to relax casino laws will generate “at least 28,000 new jobs”. Speaking to Kibris Postasi TV, he compared northern Cyprus to Malta and said more should be done to expand the service sector after the parliament approved changes that could double the number of casinos from the current 32.
He 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.”
New rules for casinos in Northern Cyprus
The new legislation approved last week will lift several restrictions on the opening of new casinos in Northern Cyprus. It raises the number of casinos that can be granted planning permission and will allow casinos to be open closer to town centres and as close as 100 metres from schools.
The prohibition on Turkish Cypriots entering casinos has been downgraded to a civil offence punishable by up to a €50 fine. Meanwhile, the number of beds required for hotels to host casinos has been raised from 500 to 750
Opposition party MPs had criticised the proposal, arguing that casinos could bring more social problems. The CTP’s Fikri Toros suggested that downgrading the ban on Turkish Cypriots entering casinos meant citizens simply have to pay “a small fee” to enter.
He said: “The fact that this ban can be violated with a symbolic penalty of €50 means that the state is encouraging its citizens to turn to gambling.”
Dogus Derya argued that the reforms would increase the north’s reputation as a hub for money laundering. She said: “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?”
The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded following a Greek-sponsored coup. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognised by Ankara, has long had casinos and currently has 32. The Greek-Cypriot Republic of Cyprus legalised casinos in 2015 and already has four, all operated but not owned by Melco. The flagship project is City of Dreams Mediterranean, billed as Europe’s first integrated resort, which opened in 2023.
