Palestinian casino open

The Oasis Casino, partially owned by an Austrian casino chain and built in the desert of Ariha Tigers, has become the first casino in the Palestinian territories.

The Oasis, housed in an European-type building, was constructed across from the Aqbat Jaber Palestinian refugee camp at a cost of $50 million.

The casino, which opened yesterday, covers five square km, with 35 gaming tables, 220 money machines, three five-star hotels with about 800 rooms as well as a golf course and tennis courts.

The Casinos Austria company's president, Leo Wallner, said this tourist complex will attract tourists from countries all over the world at a total cost of $150 million with Palestinian and Austrian funding.