Zero bids, high hopes for Gozo casino

Zero bids for Gozo casino licence • Video by Ray Attard

Gozo Minister Anton Refalo has not given up on seeing a casino on the sister island even though no proposals by private companies have been made.

“The fact that no proposals were submitted doesn’t mean anything,” a stoic Refalo told MaltaToday. “The government will continue exploring what’s best for Gozo.”

Last year the government called for expressions of interest in the running of a casino in Gozo. Then parliamentary secretary for competitiveness Edward Zammit Lewis had said four companies collected documents.

But according to Refalo, despite the collection of documents, no proposals have been submitted.

Earlier this year, state television TVM reported there was only one case of interest shown in the Gozo casino licence but it failed to meet the expectations of authorities.

In other sections of the media it was reported that San Lawrenz Kempinki Hotel was the only applicant for a licence.

MaltaToday yesterday asked the minister what the government’s plans were after its expectations were not realised.

Refalo said the government’s plan was to seek an economic identity for the sister island and work on those factors that made sense for Gozo.

“I think that the opening of a casino, but a casino that makes sense for Gozo, is important. It will help to turn the island’s economy and open up the island. The fact that no proposals were made doesn’t mean anything. The government will continue looking for what’s best for Gozo,” he said.