It seems like the Brisbane casino project is about to face a new setback and meet communities’ dissatisfaction. This time, they are about to oppose the plan of Mr. Packer who is one of the investors willing to build the casino in Brisbane.
In case Crown Resorts is awarded a license, Queensland residents will be enabled to use a greater number of poker machines. However, this idea did not appeal to the owners of clubs and pubs situated in the region.
Both companies Crown Resorts and Echo Entertainment revealed some details about the design of the casino venues proposed. However, they were prohibited from providing more information, which made communities confused about who should be the winner. Both companies proposed luxurious casino resorts, incorporating a casino, hotels, dining and shopping facilities.
Although the lack of information made it hard to distinguish both projects, there was one factor that has always been a sensitive topic – namely the availability of poker machines.
According to people familiar with the matter, Echo officials are not going to submit a request for acquiring a poker machine license. However, a considerable number of machines currently available at the Treasury Casino, will be transferred to the new casino.
Owners of clubs and pubs believe that if Crown wins the bid, it will ask for permission to operate up to 2500 poker machines. Due to regulatory restrictions, Crown officials could not provide information about the matter.
It is a well-known fact that poker machines form a great percentage of the annual revenues of all Australian-based casinos. Crown casinos, in particular, have more than 5000 poker machines available. Although Barangaroo casino does not have pokies, the company is not believed to do the same for its potential Brisbane project.
What made club owners so concerned about the establishment of the new “pokie heaven” was the tough competition they will have to face. What is more, they even shared that Crown is an “aggressive operator”, which will, by all means, get its money worth even if it has to use every possible method that would guarantee a return of the investment.
Surprising or not, the latest reports show that there is no high demand for more poker machines to be installed in the area of Queensland but people with knowledge on the matter do not believe statistics would be enough reason for Echo to reconsider its plan.
Nevertheless, local gambling officials promised to pay attention to the problem and try to find an alternative that would be beneficial to all affected sides.
