Russian casinos could relocate to Balkans

BELGRADE -- Large chains of Russian casinos, which will be put out of business in Russia starting July 1, could be relocating to the Balkans.

Belgrade daily Večernje Novosti writes today that the proposal to shut down casinos in Russia came in October 2006 from then president Vladimir Putin. Putin was quoted as saying that gambling is harmful to the Russian people, and compared it to alcoholism.

A decision was recently passed that all casinos will be shut down on July 1 in Russia.

Anatoliy Kuznecov, president of the Korston company, announced that he will be opening one casino in Budva, Montenegro. The company has purchased the Queen Montenegro hotel in which the casinos will be opened.

The largest Russian casino companies are the Ritzio Entertainment Group and Storm International.

Ritzio co-owner Oleg Boyko said that he will move his business to Italy, Germany, Serbia, Croatia and countries of South America, adding that a lot of money has already been put aside for the endeavor.

Russian casino owners have made this decision because flights to Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia from Moscow are only about three hours long, and Russia has a visa-less regime with these countries.

If these plans are realized, it would be a good opportunity for developing domestic tourism, the newspaper writes, as it would open up a lot of jobs for locals and attract rich Russian tourists who are known for spending enormous amounts of money on their travels and vacations.

Source: Večernje novosti

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