First casino to make its debut in Andorra set to open this week.
Tucked away between Spain and France, the minuscule nation of Andorra, with a population of approximately 80,000, is a seemingly insignificant blip on the map. However, the introduction of gambling might just change that. Andorra is preparing to launch its first-ever casino this coming Saturday, following a rigorous licensing process awarded to Jocs SA.
This upcoming casino, the largest in Andorra to date, has caused quite a stir during the regulatory process due to Jocs SA's disputes with the country's gaming authority. The gaming company has invested over €25 million (approximately US$26.54 million) into the casino, spanning 7,500 square meters (80,729 square feet) and offering 155 gaming spots. Once operational, a fraction of the company's shares will be made available for purchase by Andorran citizens, up to 10%.
The new casino is part of a larger Unnic leisure complex, featuring multiple entertainment zones, dining and business areas, as well as gambling areas. Approximately 200 people are employed at these facilities, creating roughly 500 indirect jobs.
Officials predict around 189,000 visitors during the casino's first year of operation, with the country attracting around 8.6 million tourists yearly, according to government statistics.
Although bingo parlors have been present in Andorra, the country will now offer roulette, poker, and blackjack tables for the first time. Bingo was the only form of legal gambling up until 2018, with casino gaming being approved later that year; however, construction on a casino didn't begin until Unnic's current project.
Casino Drama
Several international gaming companies, including Genting, Cirsa, and Partouche, were in competition with Andorra's own Jocs for the concession. Each offered grandiose and captivating proposals, but Jocs ultimately secured the concession due to its partnership with Austrian gaming supplier Novomatic.
During a broadcast on Andorra TV covering the casino's imminent launch, an unexpected issue arose that could potentially stir up problems for Jocs. Instead of Novomatic slot machines, Zitro slot machines were visible.
Zitro, a Spanish company with strong ties to the Orenes Group, another Spanish casino operator, was found to be involved in the new Andorran casino. The architect behind one of Orenes' Spanish casinos designed the new Andorran facility, and the croupiers for the Unnic gaming property received training at an Orenes casino.
Jocs faced obstacles in legitimizing its concession, going head-to-head with the gaming regulator from 2017 to 2020. Their court battle ended with Jocs being granted the concession primarily due to its partnership with Novomatic. If Jocs is now exclusively working with Zitro instead, the other gaming companies that bid for the concession could potentially sue Jocs for false representation. So far, no public statements have been made by these operators.
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