A new casino has opened in Syria, the first to open in the largely Muslim country for decades.
Gambling is illegal in Syria, following the government’s decision to outlaw such activities in the 1970s. However, a number of Syrians are understood to travel to nearby Lebanon and Cyprus to visit casinos, while the current government has softened its stance on a number of issues recently.
Now, Khaled Hboubati, owner of the new Ocean Club casino close to the centre of Damascus, is testing the waters. The property’s modest appearance is intended to cause the least offence to the public, although inside gamblers can enjoy blackjack, poker, roulette and slot machines.
According to the Guardian, a source close to the project explained that although the casino is operating without an official licence it has been given the "quiet go-ahead." Despite the low-key opening of the club, coverage within the mainstream international media will no doubt raise its profile and place the issue of gambling high on the agenda in what is considered to be a conservative country.
