Russia's so-far fruitless attempt to establish a gambling resort akin to Las Vegas in the south of the country has been handed a lifeline by the governor of Krasnodar, Alexander Tkackyov.
According to reports in the local media, Tkachyov has approached President Dmitry Medvedev with proposals to move the resort from Azov City, which failed to attract investment from operators, to the resort city of Anapa on the popular Black Sea coast.
It is thought that the plans have been welcomed by a number of politicians and gaming operators who view the new location as a more viable option for such a resort.
"Since the law came into effect it has become increasingly clear that no one wants to go to these zones, but Anapa has a modern airport, beaches and tourists," State Duma Deputy Gleb Khor told RIA Novosti.
However, authorities in the neighbouring region of Rostov, which shares Azov City with Krasnodar, and the handful of businesses that have made initial investments in the gambling zone are understandably opposed to the move.
The overall viability of the gambling zone concept has been questioned since the Russian government demanded the closure of gaming businesses in the country’s major cities two years ago. Illegal gambling operations have continued widespread throughout, despite efforts from the authorities to crack down on such activities.
