Hard Rock Appeals Greek Casino Licence Denial

Hard Rock International (HRI) has filed an appeal against the denial of its request for an integrated resort in Greece.

After a long and drawn-out bureaucratic battle for the Hellinikon casino license, Hard Rock International was shocked to be denied the license on a technicality. When the Hellenic Gaming Commission rejected Hard Rock’s bid, the global brand refused to accept the decision and swore to appeal it.

The Commission rejected HRI’s bid in January due to a technicality and gave the license to Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE). But when HRI did a little digging, the reasons for rejection did appear to be ludicrous: the Commission claimed HRI did not have enough experience with construction projects of this nature.

HRI scoffed at the Gaming Commission’s statement, noting its long history of developing casino resort properties in California, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oklahoma.

“Hard Rock International will ultimately win the competition for Hellinikon…Hard Rock is the only company to have developed a project like this before and they will do it again,” HRI spokesperson Michael Karloutsos said.

“Hard Rock International is the only contender with a recognizable global brand and a world-wide network with staying power that can attract much needed additional tourists to Greece,” Karloutsos added.