Israel 'to get first legal casino'
9th January, 2008
Israel is preparing for the introduction of its first legal casino which officials say will help to boost the economy.
The gambling hub is set to be built in Eilat – a popular tourist haunt – after the country's Tourism Ministry and Israel Land Administration signed the deal.
Around 12 acres of land will be put aside for the casino, with part of the space being used to build conference centres, commerce venues and hotels.
The new resort is expected to give huge boost to the local economy – attracting both foreign visitors and gambling enthusiasts living nearby.
Tourism minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch told ynetnews.com: "A casino in Eilat is one of our main objectives for 2008 and its success will lead to the establishment of additional casinos throughout the country.
"As a former law enforcement official, I can tell those who oppose the idea that a casino would downsize the extent of the illegal gambling operations in Israel as well as the related criminal activities."
