Greek regulator rejects Hard Rock's bid for Hellenikon Casino, Florida-based operator appeals

In an official statement released last week, Hard Rock International announced that it has submitted an appeal in Greece concerning the recent Hellenikon Casino tender decision by the Hellenic Gaming Commission.

The Florida-based Hard Rock lost out to the Connecticut-based Mohegan, which teamed with Greek real estate and construction giant Gek Terna to operate the casino at what will be the country’s biggest project when done.

"Based upon the evidence gathered, Hard Rock believes the outcome of the initial decision was improperly determined," the statement reads. "Hard Rock remains confident in its submission and firmly believes its proposal is the best for Hellenikon and Greece."

"We are confident that the judicial and administrative systems, whether in Greece or the EU, will recognize that Hard Rock International has been unfairly treated. Hard Rock remains supportive of the current Greek administration and is hopeful that Prime Minister Mitsotakis will personally take action to investigate the claims put forth in our appeal and work toward his administration’s promise of a business-friendly environment and a bright future for the country of Greece," the statement concluded.

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) has also shut down the Rio and Alexandroupoli casinos for the next two months over debts owed the country’s social security system EFKA.

A report from EFKA said that the Rio casino had overdue contributions arrears of more than 25 million euros ($27.6 million) while the Alexandroupoli casino owed 12.5 million euros ($13.8 million.