The authorities of the region of Krasnodar in Russia informed that the construction of a gambling city similar to Macau would start in 2009. According to a spokesperson, the zone will be called Azov City and it will be located in the south of the country. The same source informed that the necessary investment contracts would be signed in the next few months.

Azov City will house several casinos, slot machine parlors, betting shops and other similar establishments, all related to the gambling business. The urban center will also offer four and five star hotels, bars, restaurants, convention and sports centers plus theaters and other entertainment venues.

According to the changes introduced in the Russian legislation last year, casinos and other gambling halls will have to move to four special zones as of 1 July 2009. Besides Azov City, four similar projects will be installed in Kaliningrado, in the west of Russia, and the Altái and Primorie regions in the east.

The authorities of Krasnodar, where the City will be built, intend to attract investments for more than 14,000 million dollars. Governor Alexander Tkachov has said he is convinced the aspect of the region will be changed by the new project. Among other things, there are plans for the construction of a modern port, highways and railways as well as for the remodeling of the airport in Yeisk.