Australia’s two biggest casino operators, Echo Entertainment and Crown Ltd., have both made it known that they’ve got their eyes on a casino in downtown Brisbane. But while the battle between the two sides is expected to generate some bitter back-and-forth, Queensland could quash the impending tussle even before a single haymaker is thrown.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney made it publicly known that the state could potentially open itself up to a total of seven casinos. With a number of casinos already established in the state, including Echo’s Treasury Casino in Brisbane a pair of Jupiters casinos in Townsville and the Gold Coast, the state government is prepared to offer up to three extra licenses.
The one caveat that could potentially affect the Echo-Crown feud is Seeney’s proclamation that just because there are more casino licenses up for grabs, it doesn’t mean that the Brisbane CBD can accommodate two casinos in its vicinity. “Technically it’s possible,” Seeney said, referring to two Brisbane casinos. “[But] the commercial reality is it’s not likely.”
Queensland’s apparent warming up to opening more casino licenses in the state was a decision made in large part to boost the area’s tourism industry, and not so much as a revenue play to generate more money for the local economy.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman made no bones about his intention to bring some life back to the state, citing age and an outdated infrastructure as stumbling blocks that have prevented Queensland to return to its former opulence. “As I’ve often said, the tourism product, the infrastructure that we have in this state is from a different era, in some cases it’s faded and jaded,” Newman said.
“It’s time now to actually take off the shackles, think big and actually allow this state really to compete in the international marketplace.”
With Australia’s gambling market gaining more and more recognition in the global stage, Queensland looks like its ready to take its involvement with the industry to a new level. The potential for seven casinos in the state will certainly speak to that and with interest expected to come from all corners, Crown and Echo, included, the casino and tourism industry in Queensland could get a massive shake-up in the coming years.
