MGE Confirms Interest in 30-year Hellinikon Casino Tender

The Hellinikon project.

US-based Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) has confirmed its interest in a tender for a casino resort to open at Hellinikon in Athens.

MGE announced that it would be bidding for the right to develop and operate Europe’s first Integrated Resort Casino-IRC for a period of 30 years.

Mohegan Gaming CEO Mario Kontomerkos. Photo source: MGE

“For two years now, MGE has expressed its firm and serious commitment to the Hellinikon project. We believe it will be an economic catalyst that will create a new, modern identity for Athens, as the most remarkable, top leisure and business destination in Southern Europe,” said Mohegan Gaming CEO Mario Kontomerkos, during this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair.

“Together with our partner in Greece, GEK Terna Group, we strongly believe in the potential of the country … We are pleased with the efforts of the Greek government to complete this great project and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to this landmark venture,” Kontomerkos added.

In addition to its casinos in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Washington, and Atlantic City, Mohegan Gaming is currently active in Incheon, South Korea with 5-billion-dollar integrated resort.

Photo source: MGE

Last month, global entertainment and hospitality giant Hard Rock International said it would invest over 1 billion euros in Greece’s former Hellinikon Airport site, if it wins the Greek government’s tender for the casino license.

The winning bidder is scheduled to be announced on September 30.

The casino, to be the first Hellinikon investment, will include more than 500 slot machines and 100 gaming tables, gaming-integrated hotels, convention facilities, entertainment shows, theme parks, luxury retail and fine dining, and is set to occupy approximately 15,000m2.

The 9-billion-euro Hellinikon project involves developing Greece’s former Hellinikon Airport site into a multi-purpose hub complete with a metropolitan park, offices, shopping malls, cultural venues, health centres, educational and research facilities and a marina.