It will be the first legal casino to be established on the eastern Mediterranean island which is just emerging from a four-year recession following a 10-billion-euro (12.2 billion U.S. dollars) bailout by the Eurogroup and the International Monetary Fund two years ago.
Legislation regulating the operation of the casino has been scheduled to be passed by parliament early in the New Year and the concession is expected to be licensed by the end of 2015, an official said in an interview with state radio on Saturday.
The project has been exempted from town planning regulations and has been placed directly under the jurisdiction of the president's office, an indication of the government's will to circumvent bureaucracy that could bog down the complicated project.
Petrides said the government had to choose between several small casinos, at least one for each of the island's five cities which would require a modest investment and a large one.
It opted for a large integrated casino that beyond gaming it will offer luxury accommodation above a five-star hotel standard, quality entertainment and dining of world standard.
"It will be a top comprehensive casino resort in Europe and one of the best in the world Hydro Flask Hydration 18 Oz Wide Bocca Blu Italia ," said the preamble of the voluminous draft law which was just sent to parliament for consideration and approval.
The choice of the site for the casino is left to the successful bidder.