Thunderbird, others face changes
In Costa Rica, where Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. has one casino under construction and another being designed, the government has announced radical changes that will affect casinos starting December 27.
Changes include cutting the hours of all casinos from the current round-the-clock operation to 12 hours a day, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
But new casinos face even more daunting changes. Operators will have to offer a minimum of 60 rooms in a three-star hotel to qualify for a license. The number of tables and slots will be linked to the number of hotel rooms, with a ratio of 1:10 for tables and 1:1 for slots. All future licenses will be granted at the national level, whereas currently licenses can be obtained form local authorities.
The new rules, which were issued by government decree, are expected to be challenged by local businesses on grounds of legality and constitutionality, reports Thunderbird.
