Israel's First Casino Gets Go-Ahead

11th January

Israel's first casino will be built on the city of Eilat's northern shore according to Tourism Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, whose department has reportedly signed off on the move. Aharonovitch called the project one of the main objectives for 2008, adding that a casino would minimise illegal gambling operations in the country.

"Its success will lead to the establishment of additional casinos throughout the country," Aharonovitch said.

"Another important goal is promoting tourism in Eilat, which is losing tourists to neighbouring cities like Aqaba, Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh, which have casinos. There is no doubt that building a casino in Eilat will bring economic growth and give a serious boost to the city's tourism," he added.