Since 1989, all casino licensing has come under the authority of the non-profit Guatemalan Pediatric Foundation. The Guatemalan Congressional act covering casino gambling also entitles FPG to receive a percentage of all casino winnings to use for funding education and medical care for Guatemalan children. The FPG reviewed and awarded the licenses to an affiliate of the Seattle-based Alekson Development Group.

Alekson affiliate, Fin City Associates, is based in Guatemala City and will begin work on the first resort there. In the next phase of development, projects will be built in Puerto Quetzal on the Pacific coast and then in the central highlands of Antigua. Eventually, four more resort complexes are planned for Lake Atitlan, Puerto Barrios and Panajachel.

Land acquisition is already underway for the six projects according to an Alekson spokesperson. Another affiliate of Alekson will be handling the architecture and construction management aspects of the casino resorts. No information is available as to the size of the projects as of yet as they are still in the planning stages and are scheduled for completion over the next 10 years.

They plan on focusing on the Guatemalan spirit with lush natural landscapes, waterscapes and tropical-inspired architecture reflecting the historical influence of Colonial, European and Mayan cultures. Features will include world-class hotels, luxury spas, retail spaces, branded restaurants, live entertainment venues, international marinas and in some areas, world championship quality golf courses.