When it opens in 2017, the massive resort with a casino near the Spanish capital will create thousands of desperately needed jobs, but opponents question the economic benefits and fear an increase in crime.
Government officials in Madrid approved the mega-casino on Friday, which Spanish media have dubbed Eurovegas. Madrid won the battle against Barcelona and managed to attract Las Vegas Sands mogul Sheldon Adelson’s company from Las Vegas. The complex could save Alcorcon, a town 15 kilometers south of Madrid that has economically struggled. Government officials claim that the 750-hectare site could create 250,000 jobs, which is crucial for Spain, where more than a quarter of the working-age population is unemployed.
Spanish protest groups fear that such a large casino construction project, no matter how well-managed, could inadvertently attract illegal activities and prostitution. They also emphasize the potential environmental damage. Adelson’s company is the target of an investigation and a civil lawsuit from a former head of the Chinese branch of Las Vegas Sands, who claims there are irregularities in the operations of the company owned by the 16th richest person in the world.
Federal investigators have not officially charged Adelson, and Las Vegas Sands refuses to comment on the investigation.
