Rejected Cyprus casino bidder smells a rat in tender process, calls for investigation

A failed bidder for a casino license in the Greek half of Cyprus has accused government officials of botching the application process.

On Thursday, Cypriot politicians approved new casino regulations, clearing the way for the government to begin vetting the three shortlisted companies vying for the lone license in the Greek-controlled southern half of the island nation.

The Cyprus-Mail revealed further details on each shortlisted operator’s preferred site for building its casino. The Hard Rock/Melco International Development tandem is reportedly eyeing Limassol, while Bloomberry Resorts is looking at Paphos and Nagacorp prefers a Lamarca address.

Local newspaper Haravgi, which is closely aligned with opposition party AKEL, reported that one of the three bidders had “backing from high up in the government,” broadly hinting that the Hard Rock/Melco bid had the inside track, thanks to President Nicos Anastasiades calling Limassol home.