In the extreme south-east of Russia and bordered by China and North Korea, Primorsky Krai is one of the four designated gambling zones. The region is mainly mountainous and nearly 80% forest; the city of Vladivostok, over 9,000 km from Moscow, is the historical and cultural centre. When Russia decided to push gambling into remote areas of the country, Primorsky Krai – once called ‘the world’s end’ – was a prime choice.

Local Vostok-Media has reported that the governor of Primorsky Krai, Sergei Darkin, recently inspected the construction site that is to become the gambling zone Primorie. The chosen site is the resort area of Ussuriisk, around 73 km from Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan at Murav’inaia bay and 60 km from the Chinese border. The regional airport is 23 km away and the gambling zone will cover 620 hectares, including a lake.

Governor Darkin hopes that tourist numbers will be boosted by the presence of between three and five world class entertainment complexes offering a range of facilities including hotels, restaurants and bars, concert halls, swimming pools and retail outlets. Up to 1200 gaming tables and 5,000 gaming machines will be on offer in the zone. All gambling in Russia is due to be relocated to the four zones by July this year although there are no definite reports of any gambling operator planning to make the move. Most Russian gaming companies have already expanded into other regions, such as Latin America.

In 2012 the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit will be held in Vladivostok and Russia is investing heavily in the preparations, providing a huge economic boost to the region. A high percentage of foreign tourists in Primorsky Krai come from China and casino entertainment complexes are expected to attract gamblers from there. It remains to be seen if that prospect is enough to tempt investors to commit the necessary resources in ‘the world’s end’ under the present economic climate.
(E-02.09.09)

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