Eurovegas could be scrapped

Eurovegas the giant gaming resort to be built in Madrid could be scrapped if the Spanish government does not change its mind in allowing an exception for the mega casino to allow smoking inside its premises says Madrid’s regional president.

Ignacio González said: “We are running the serious risk that Eurovegas will end up elsewhere. If we’re not smart, we could lose it.”

Dubbed Eurovegas because of the size of the development, is set to be built by Las Vegas Sands, with its owner Sheldon Adelson demanding that the government should allow smoking within the resort that supporters say will bring in millions of euros to the region.

Spain is struggling with 26% un-employment and the resort would bring in hundreds of jobs, but there have been question marks over how the project will actually be funded along with some asking if the legal framework of the deal is actually legitimate.

A spokesperson for the Spanish ministry of health said: “The Madrid regional government wants an exception to the law [to allow people to smoke] but our concern is the health of our citizens. At the moment, there is no plan to change the law. But we are always open to dialogue.”

The country brought in the no smoking law in 2011 under the previous government, like much of Europe now which is no smoking, but Las Vegas Sands is threatening to delay or even pull the development if the law is no changed.

At present there is a stand-off between both sides, who will prevail will be watched closely.