This new casino reflects the transformation Syria has been suffering in recent years leaving behind a socialist past and making room for a new free market. President Bashar Assad expects this change to avoid his country to be prey of the agitation as it is happening in Egypt and Tunisia where social unrest is shaking the population.

However, some people affirm that gambling games could be too much for devout Muslims. “Gambling is a grave sin”, said Mohammed Habash, member of the parliament and director of the Center of Islamic Studies who considers betting is as bad a drugs.

Casino Damasco does not have same attractive as Lebanon and Turkey casinos but it is expected to help changing the rigid and close image of Syrian society and to attract tourists from the Arab oil countries. It is unusual to see casinos at Arab countries where most people use Islamic laws which forbid gambling.

This new Syrian casino offers slots, baccarat, roulette and blackjack. Many people have gone to the casino although they think it is not a good way of entertainment. The casino is about 30 kilometers from the center and was inaugurated without much fanfare. This is one of few places without the Assad picture, which would indicate the president does not want to be associated to the casino, even though the casino could not be working without his consent.