MINSK, July 2 (RIA Novosti) - Belarus plans to create a gambling zone near its international airport in Minsk to attract foreign visitors as neighboring Russia and Ukraine have banned casinos, an official said on Thursday.
Casinos and other gaming parlors were closed down in Russia on July 1 to be relocated to four far-flung designated areas. The decision, designed to curb gambling as a breeding ground for money laundering and organized crime, came into force although the special zones need at least another four years to be completed.
Ukraine's parliament temporarily banned casinos in June, overriding a presidential veto.
"We expect a decision on the creation of the special gambling and amusement center to be adopted shortly," the sport and tourism ministry official said, adding that investors in the project and future gamblers would enjoy special privileges.
He said the privileges would include tax exemptions, visa-free entry to the former Soviet state and duty free sales of some goods.
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