According to local media reports, the Sochi gaming zone will see the first casino open this December. Yulia Malorodnova, a representative within the city’s administration revealed that a soft launch is set for the 24th of December for the first casino with a grand launch schedule by the 5th of January 2017. The announcement was made during RGW Sochi.

RGW Sochi was held on the 27th of October in Sochi Russia with the Sea Galaxy Hotel Congress & SPA hosting the event. The informative event was organized by Smile-Expo to provide information about the gambling zone as well as provide opportunities for those who wish to become involved in the gaming market of Russia.

The gambling zone of Sochi is located in local resorts of Roza Khutor and Gorky Gorod. The area is the site where the 2014 Winter Olympics took place. The area will be able to receive 1,700 people to enjoy gambling and entertainment once finished. According to Malorodnova, the operators of gambling zones have plans to receive as many as 600,000 visitors each year in Sochi. The gambling industry is estimated to be able to bring at a minimum RUB 120 million, which is about $2 million USD in taxes to the budget for the city.