Anticipation is high as construction begins on what will be the world's largest casino.

Workers broke ground Tuesday, April 1 on what is planned as the largest casino in the world.

At 700,000 square feet of gaming floor alone, the structure would be significantly larger than Oklahoma’s WinStar World Casino, which covers 600,000 square feet. The compound is being built on land situated between Point Sur Lighthouse and the Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur.

The casino is expected to feature over 9,000 slot machines and more than 300 gaming tables. In addition, there will be guest rooms, six restaurants, an indoor arena and an outdoor concert venue. Operated by the offshore Russian gaming company 1XBet, which was granted the contract without bid, the casino will be open 24 hours a day.

“This will be a boon for Big Sur,” said a spokesperson representing Keep Big Sur Wild. “There has always been available open space, but the area has not been able to attract the number of residents and visitors it should.”

A study commissioned by the county found that, with land put to proper use, Big Sur could support a year-round population of more than 300,000. By adding popular attractions, the area would see a dramatic increase in tourist traffic, as well.

“Nature tourism is a niche market and a mistaken strategy,” explains See Monterey’s Rob O'Keefe. “People don’t come to Monterey County for the scenery. Maybe five people will come to see a condor, but 5,000 times that many will travel for a prize fight at a world-class casino.”

To support the casino, developers plan to build a dock for ocean-going cruise liners, as well as a permanent network of highways inland, where the ribbons of asphalt will be safe from landslide damage. The casino itself will have a dedicated heliport.

“There will be nothing like it—visible miles out to sea,” exclaims county supervisor Kate Daniels. “And Big Sur will still have more room for development.”

An environmental impact study found little possible damage from the projected increased emissions, noise and artificial light. Its only recommendations was to install ice plant thickets to prevent erosion around the outdoor escalator system running from the dock to the casino and to plant stands of eucalyptus trees to ward off invasive native flora.

Residents of Big Sur have largely welcomed the casino, particularly as the associated network of new, wide roads would make driving through the region easier. The potential for an influx of new neighbors has also been seen as a positive.

“Big Sur will have more going on than even Pacific Grove,” says one excited resident.