Former Mallorca Casino to be Transformed into 175 Million Euro Luxury Hotel

The era of spinning roulette wheels and clicking chips in Sol de Mallorca is officially over. The future of the dilapidated ruins of the former Mallorca Casino in the southwest of the Balearic island has been decided. The massive complex, consisting of three separate buildings, will not be revived as a gambling temple but will instead make way for a prestigious luxury hotel project. After years of decay and occupation by squatters, known locally as okupas, the project is finally taking shape.

New owners Blasson Property are betting on a significant upgrade for the location. Where high stakes were once wagered, wealthy tourists will soon be staying in a high-end resort. The news has caused a stir, as the property has been considered an eyesore in an otherwise exclusive residential area for years. The German involvement in the building's recent history is particularly noteworthy, even as the reins are now being handed over to Spanish developers.

Numbers and facts

The scale of the investment is immense. A total of 175 million euros will be poured into the revitalization of the site. The entire area covers an impressive 47,000 square meters. The schedule is ambitious but long-term. Construction is slated to begin next year, in 2027. However, it will take time before the first guests can check into their rooms. The developers expect the luxury hotel to open in 2029 or 2030 at the latest. Previously, the site was acquired in 2022 by Xada Beach Hotel GmbH & Co. KG, based in Munich. The goal of the German investors, including entrepreneur Klaus Trescher according to reports, was to prepare the site for a profitable resale, which has now been completed.

Background

The former Mallorca Casino has a rich and varied history. It was far more than just a place for gambling. A particular highlight in sporting history took place there in 1979. At that time, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who gained world fame as Cassius Clay, stepped into the ring. In this legendary fight, he defeated Jimmy Ellis as expected. Such anecdotes give the site an aura that Blasson Property will likely incorporate into the marketing of the new hotel. Recently, however, the building presented a sad sight. Broken windows, graffiti, and the presence of squatters defined the image of the once noble address, making the current investment push all the more urgent.

Why it matters for German players

For German vacationers who enjoy visiting casinos in Mallorca, this development represents a reduction in land-based options in the popular Sol de Mallorca area. Those seeking genuine casino flair on holiday must now focus on the remaining locations on the island. For players from Germany who value security and legality, this change highlights the importance of regulated offers. As the local casino closes, online options come into sharper focus. However, caution is advised. German players should strictly ensure they only play with providers listed on the official whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). Only these portals guarantee compliance with the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling.

This includes strict player protection rules, such as the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros via the LUGAS system and the stake limit of a maximum of one euro per spin for slots. While a Mallorca holiday may soon be spent in a new luxury hotel, serious gambling for Germans remains firmly tied to strict domestic regulations, which, unlike often insecure MGA or Curacao licenses, offer genuine legal protection.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The loss of physical casino capacity in tourist hotspots like Mallorca plays into the hands of licensed German online casinos in the long run. When traditional houses close or are repurposed, the interest of casual players shifts increasingly to the digital space. For German providers, this is an opportunity to promote their legal and safe alternatives. It clearly shows that real estate investors often shy away from the risk and effort of operating a casino, preferring to rely on stable luxury tourism. For GGL-licensed operators, this means market strengthening, provided they can offer players the comfort they once sought in land-based palaces without neglecting the strict youth and player protection of German law.