AZE.US
Three casinos will open at the Sea Breeze resort outside Baku, according to the project’s founder, Emin Agalarov.
Agalarov disclosed the plans while presenting the resort’s expanding hotel and entertainment district, which will include properties operated under the Hilton, Marriott and Rixos brands.
“This is one of three casinos,” Agalarov said during the presentation. Asked directly whether casinos had been authorized at Sea Breeze, he replied: “Yes.”
The first major gambling venue will be Royale Casino, now under construction. A Turkish company with experience developing casinos in several countries is handling the project.
Agalarov said Royale is being designed to become “the best casino in the world.” The complex will include gaming tables and slot machines, separate general and VIP entrances, restaurants, boutiques, parking facilities and extensive security infrastructure.
Preparations for its opening are expected to take about a year. Dealers, technical specialists and management personnel will undergo training before the casino begins operating.
The Sea Breeze casinos are also expected to host major international poker tournaments. Agalarov said agreements had already been signed with Triton Poker and PokerStars.
A single major tournament could bring as many as 5,000 international visitors to Baku, he said. The casinos are expected to generate demand not only for nearby hotels but also for apartments across the resort.
Agalarov also plans to use the three casinos to support concerts by internationally known performers, following a model similar to Las Vegas.
“Because the three casinos are interested in attracting tourists, they will subsidize these concerts regardless of how many tickets are sold,” he said. “As a result, I will be able to hold concerts by A-list stars here every week.”
The performances would take place at the planned Dream Arena, which will have a capacity of 50,000 people.
Agalarov said a summer program of 10 major concerts could attract up to 500,000 spectators, including an estimated 250,000 visitors from abroad. Together with the casinos, hotels and other entertainment facilities, Sea Breeze aims to double or triple Azerbaijan’s annual tourist arrivals within three to four years.
AZE.US