A few weeks ago news of top Russian casino operator Storm International caused great anxiety in the government circles of Costa Rica, in Central America. In very direct terms, bordering on the hysterical, Government ministers led by the country's vice president and Justice Minister Laura Chinchilla, started an attack campaign on Storm, promising to review gaming legislation to stop the Russians.

Yesterday, in a press conference in San Jose, Chinchilla announced that Costa Rica will implement four decrees to restrict gaming investment in the country, saying: "As we understand it, an activity such as casino operations is strictly complementary to and not independent from businesses in respect of the hotel trade, and they will not be authorized if they are not part of the same hotel business".

The major change for casinos in Costa Rica is that operating hours will be reduced from 24 to 8 hours on a daily basis, from 8PM to 2AM the following day. Casinos also will not be permitted to serve alcohol free to customers in the casino. Existing casinos will have a period of six months to comply with these changes.

For new casinos the new regulations insist on limitations of 15% of the hotel area, with a minimum 60 rooms for hotels 3 stars and above. The casinos will not be able to have direct access to the exterior of the property. As far as licensing is concerned, new licenses will also have to be granted a Health Ministry permit, as the government has decreed gambling addiction a public concern. (E-04.11.08)

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