Greece`s Rhodes Casino<.> is taking on an expanded role with the planned introduction of cultural, recreational and community activities in the near future.

Apart from the games of chance it offers, the casino`s management has announced that the casino -located in a historically significant hotel- will host new wings open to all.

Restaurants, a cafe, bar, beachside club, shopping centre and hotel are planned while management stated that the casino would completely alter its operational function by the time the new tourist season begins. Works are expected to be completed by then.

Furthermore, the casino has chosen to sponsor a Rhodes sports association for individuals with special needs.

The chairman of Rhodes Casino AE, John Young, said the firm aimed to provide continual support to cultural and community activities on Rhodes. He said this was launched with the restoration of the historic Rodon hotel, which is to reopen in June 2001.

The casino`s key shareholders are Michaniki AE, Rhodes entrepreneur Roslyn Geronikola and international casino operator Resido FiBi.