Construction is underway on what could become one of the world's premier gaming destinations, if the long-term plan comes to fruition. Set within Agalarov Development’s expansive Sea Breeze resort settlement near Baku, the Royalé Casino Resort is targeting a spring 2027 opening and is planned to become the largest casino of its kind in the region.
Not unlike Macau or Las Vegas' major resorts, the first phase is expected to include a 90,000 m² casino with more than 100 gaming tables, around 1,500 slot machines and 12 VIP rooms. Beyond gaming, the complex is planned to feature a concert hall, bars, restaurants, cafes and facilities for major international poker tournaments.
Agalarov Development’s President Emin Agalarov, a billionaire’s son, has more in the pipeline, and his vision is bold: Sea Breeze could evolve into a fully fledged, liveable resort city with hundreds of multi-purpose facilities over the next seven to eight years.
Ambitious plans: From Royalé Casino to entire resort city
Following the inaugural casino, Agalarov plans to expand Sea Breeze with an additional casino, around 10 hotels operated by world-renowned brands, residential buildings and commercial spaces. Altogether, approximately 300 facilities for various purposes are expected to open over the next seven to eight years.
These plans are wildly ambitious, as they include a newly built liveable city. But Agalarov believes they are achievable. Speaking to local media in September, he said: "Very few new cities are being built in the world. I believe that in some parts of the world, such as the US or Europe, implementing such a project with today's parameters would be impossible.
"However, in a country like Azerbaijan, it is entirely possible to build a new city from scratch based on the necessary master plan and for people to live there comfortably or visit it as tourists."
Furthermore, Agalarov is confident his grandiose plans could attract investor interest: "Many international investment funds are considering various areas for investment in Azerbaijan. I believe Sea Breeze ranks among the top 10 projects that should be considered and have promising prospects."
Royalé progresses towards the pre-opening phase
While it remains to be seen whether Agalarov will ultimately realise his long-term vision, the first Royalé Casino appears to be on track. The resort has shared promising updates and construction footage from the site.
According to its official website, the venue is currently in its pre-opening phase, with a strong focus on recruitment, structured training and achieving operational readiness across all departments.
Given the scale and ambition of the project, even if it ultimately settles somewhere in the middle of the full vision, Azerbaijan could emerge as a serious contender in the Eurasian integrated resort market
As mentioned above, in addition to its expansive gaming floor, the casino aims to be a premier destination for major poker tournaments. In one promotional LinkedIn video, the future operator features several big names in the poker world saying they are already looking forward to playing at Royalé Casino.
This includes American professional player Bryn Kenney, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner and the all-time leader in live tournament earnings. Additionally, 17-time WSOP champion Phil Hellmuth appears, along with multiple-time tournament champion Seth Davies and several others.
Could Azerbaijan tap into a wider regional gaming market?
Azerbaijan's proximity to Turkey, where gambling is illegal, could attract some demand that currently flows to destinations such as Cyprus. The country also benefits from strong air connectivity with Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia.
This part of Eurasia is not known for large-scale entertainment complexes like those found in US or Asian jurisdictions such as Macau, the Philippines and Singapore. Still, Royale Casino will not be entering a completely empty market.
Georgia as the immediate neighbouring rival
Among Azerbaijan's strongest rivals will, of course, be neighbouring Georgia, which has already established Batumi as a regional casino destination, attracting visitors from Turkey, Israel, Russia and Gulf countries. The city has even earned the nickname "the Las Vegas of the Black Sea."
Despite Batumi's buzzing casino scene, Georgia is only now building its first fully fledged integrated resort in Tbilisi, a Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.
The two neighbouring countries could in the long run become close regional competitors. However, the question is whether Georgia’s established gaming infrastructure, strong casino-related tourism brand and sector expertise will give it the edge. Or will Agalarov deliver on his lavish promises and sweep his neighbour away?
According to its official website, the inaugural Royale Casino venue is currently in its pre-opening phase, with a strong focus on recruitment, structured training and achieving operational readiness across all departments
The competition beyond the Caucasus
Azerbaijan's competition will not necessarily be limited to its immediate neighbour. Although geographically further from Baku, good air connectivity can easily bridge the distance, bringing destinations such as Greece and the UAE within reach of the same broader gaming tourism market.
Hard Rock’s integrated resort in Greece, set to open in 2029, and Wynn’s UAE resort, scheduled for late 2027, could compete for a slice of the same casual casino enthusiasts and, more importantly, VIP high-rollers.
Ultimately, developments are progressing across multiple destinations, with integrated resorts sprouting across Eurasian markets and the UAE on a scale rarely seen in these jurisdictions before.
Who is the man behind these enormous plans?
Emin Agalarov is the son of Aras Agalarov, an Azerbaijani-Russian billionaire and a construction magnate. Born in Azerbaijan and later moving to Moscow, Aras Agalarov built his business empire through trading before expanding into computers, luxury retail and real estate. He later founded the Crocus complex, a major Moscow development combining luxury shopping, entertainment and exhibition space.
His son eventually joined the family business after studying in the US, helping expand the Agalarov empire. Meanwhile, Forbes listed the father as the 51st richest Russian in 2015. Furthermore, Emin is a former son-in-law of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Can Azerbaijan turn ambition into a premier gaming destination?
Whether Agalarov can deliver on his long-term vision remains to be seen. For now, the team behind the resort appears determined, bringing in big names for poker promotion. Its LinkedIn page is active, recruitment is underway and the team is emphasising excellence training for operational readiness.
Agalarov is also backed by a wealthy family with experience in large-scale real estate, retail and luxury development, giving the project a strong foundation. These are certainly encouraging signs for the first phase of development.
The scale of the wider vision remains a bigger question mark. Building a large luxury casino resort is one thing; developing an entire livable city with hundreds of facilities is a far greater undertaking.
Nevertheless, given the scale and ambition of the project, even if it ultimately settles somewhere in the middle of the full vision, Azerbaijan could emerge as a serious contender in the Eurasian integrated resort market.
Last year, Azerbaijan’s Parliament approved legislation authorising the development of casino resorts on artificial islands in the Caspian Sea
