Seminoles to Open Largest Casino in Europe
The Seminole Tribe is already the dominant force in gaming in Florida, and now they want to expand their empire to Europe. James Allen, CEO of Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, announced today the company would partner with two Austrian companies to build an enormous casino in Hungary.
The gambling venue, which would become the largest in all Europe, would see the completion of the first phase of construction by 2012. The Hungarian operation will be placed near the borders shared with Austria and Slovakia. The location is within short drives from Budapest and Vienna.
Allen said the final version of the resort complex would contain 6000 slot machines, 400 gaming tables, two separate poker rooms, and two sports books, along with 1264 hotel rooms. The estimated cost of the project is over $7 billion.
Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment had previously received a gaming license from the Hungarian government in 2006, good for 20 years with an option to extend for an additional 10 years.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida bought Hard Rock International in 2007. The Seminole Tribe had already partnered with the Hard Rock brand in developing casinos in Hollywood, Florida, and Tampa before acquiring control of the brand.
Allen's far-sighted leadership, under the supervision of the Seminole Tribal Council, has resulted in the tribe using its gaming privileges to as much success as any Native American tribe in the US.
