At present gaming is illegal in Israel but its Finance Minister is eyeing the future. Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly keen to get a law passed that could lead to casino hotels along the Red Sea coast at Eilat. The town borders Jordan and Egypt and is a favourite tourist destination for Israelis and international visitors, many drawn by the offshore coral reef.

The construction of new integrated resorts is envisaged, offering retail outlets, entertainment, and hotels, as well as casinos. There is apparently plenty of investor interest in the project, including from Sheldon Adelson who owns properties such as Sands Las Vegas, Sands Macau and the Venetian. If the law is changed, then projects for the strip would be put out to tender.

Before 2000, many Israelis would make the trip to Jericho to gamble at the casino in Palestine. Since then the city has been off-limits to Israelis but it is reported that the ban may be lifted. A condition for the border to re-open was the collection by the Palestinian Authorities of weapons from named men, a condition that reportedly has been fulfilled. There is as yet no word on the time frame for the lifting of the ban, although days rather than weeks has been suggested.

In the past gaming legislation has failed to materialise in Israel because of the anti-gambling lobby raising concerns over criminal activity and moral issues. With the Finance Minister publicly backing casinos for the investment and revenues they would bring, Israel may have its own Las Vegas before too long.
(E-05.10.05)

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