First Casino in Russia’s Primorye Region to Launch in August

Lawrence Ho’s Tigre de Crystal casino in Russia’s Primorye region set to open in August.

The long wait for the first land-based casino to open in Russia’s Primorye Integrated Entertainment Zone could soon be over as Lawrence Ho’s gaming establishment is scheduled to open its doors by the end of August.

Summit Ascent Holdings Ltd. revealed when filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that the first phase of construction will be finished by 30th June by its subsidiary First Gambling Company of the East (FGCE). Government inspection process lasting between six and eight weeks will in turn be started, meaning that the opening date should be no later than 28th August.

Tigre de Crystal Will Employ 1,100 People

Even if the venue is still referred to as “Phase 1 Casino Resort”, the casino will operate under the name Tigre de Crystal or Crystal Tiger, which will house 119 hotel rooms, 25 VIP gambling tables, another 40 tables for the general public and no fewer than 800 slot machines.

FGCS has moved to reveal that all important management positions have already been filled, with almost 200 croupiers undergoing extensive training at the moment.

The gaming establishment will have around 700 employees when the casino is launched before increasing to 1,100 staff when remaining departments are completed.

Russia Hoping to Attract Asian VIP Gamblers

Lawrence Ho, the eldest son of Macau’s leading gaming mogul Stanley Ho, headlines the project and he will be delighted that the official launch is getting closer after the venture suffered a succession of issues, with each of these pushing back the opening date.

In spite of all the problems, Tigre de Crystal is certain to be the first casino to open its doors in Russia’s Primorye region, with the new gaming hub located on the eastern coast, relatively close to Beijing, Seul and Tokyo.

Cambodian gaming operator NagaCorp aims to start construction on its $369 million Primorsky Entertainment Resort City (PERC) by the end of the year so that PERC would become the second casino in said entertainment zone when it opens in 2018.

Russia have big hopes for the Primorye Integrated Entertainment Zone as they hope it would provide additional boost to the country’s economy, but the recent delays are enough to suggest things are not exactly going according to plan.