Eight companies have formally expressed their interest in bidding for the lone casino license up for grabs in the Greek-controlled southern half of Cyprus.

Friday marked the end of the three-month window for submitting an expression of interest in the casino license. The Cypriot Commerce, Industry, Energy and Tourism Ministry issued a statement confirming having received eight bids, three of which will be shortlisted as the competition progresses.

The Ministry said the names of the prospective bidders will remain a secret, at least for the time being, but the Cypriot media has not been shy about sharing names believed to have made the cut.

Last week, In-Cyprus.com identified five bidders: the US of A’s Hard Rock international; Cambodia’s NagaCorp, the Philippines’ Bloomberry Resorts Corp; a French consortium consisting of Bouygues Batiment International, Accord Hotels and casino operator Barriere, which reportedly has a local partner lined up; and a Russian conglomerate that includes banking and property firm Absolut.