Israel, turning over the first of five West Bank cities to Palestinian control, may facilitate the revival of gambling activity in Jericho.
Israel turns over Jericho to Palestinians, casino business may resurrect
Israel, settling peace in Gaza, has signed papers with Palestinian forces to turn over the first of five West Bank cities to Palestinian control. Jericho, the city where Jesus was said to have spent 40 days and nights as the devil tried to tempt him, used to be the gambling city with its core in Oasis Casino.
The casino was one of few lucrative activities in Palestine generating tens of millions of dollars in profits annually. Established in 1998, the $50-million resort every day saw thousands of gamblers, mainly Israelis, visiting the biblical town. However, according to the agreement between Israel and Palestine, the casino is barred from hosting Israeli gamblers. Before the establishment closed in 2000 because of occupation, the Israeli players contributed to the city's prosperity while entertaining in the casino. However, this time the reopened gambling business faces tough conditions due to Israel's ban.
"We wish for the Palestinians (casino employees) to come back and Israeli customers to come back to Jericho for the entertainment," Hans Holek, security manager at the Oasis Casino, told Reuters on Thursday. Despite the Israel-Palestine conflict enthusiastic gamblers were asking casino's managers when it might open. As the Israeli troops went out of the city, the workers have received a plenty of telephone calls from people thirsty for gaming experience.
"The signs are good. Let's give it another 14 days and we'll see how things develop, what happens on the ground in the other cities," the spokesman said to The SignOnSanDiego. "This is a very positive step. The Oasis could reopen later this year, if calm prevailed and employees could move in and out of town freely».
