SPAIN / USA : Madrid Approves Adelson's EuroVegas.

       Controversial conservative American $22 billionaire Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands company has been given the go-ahead to build a mega casino near Madrid...beating out Barcelona.
       Adelson, 79...claims the rundown 750 hectare site in suburban Alcorcon will provide 250,000 jobs...after all 3 phases are completed in 18 years.
       His eventual plan is for 36,000 hotel rooms...with 12 resorts...and 6 casinos.
       The first phase in 2017...might employ 80,000.

       Critics say it will only provide low paying jobs, increase crime and prostitution, damage the environment...and feed gamblers' addictions.
      There are also questions about funding for the project...since the Sands will provide only 35-40%.
      Adelson's company is being investigated by the USA for possible money laundering.
      Adelson is a staunch Republican...proud of spending over $150 million...to give GOP control of Congress in 2012...and defeat incumbent President Obama. 
     But...his costly efforts...thru Karl Rove's Crossroads GPS and other groups...failed badly.
     Adelson may also be Israel's biggest defender... and benefactor.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/08/us-spain-casino-idUSBRE9170OT20130208