Gambling operator Echo Entertainment, which was awarded the Brisbane casino license last week, may be allowed to add 1,000 more poker machines at its Queen’s Wharf property once it is completed. The Queensland government is currently reviewing a draft agreement, which would authorize the addition of the gaming machines, if it gets the necessary approval.
Echo Entertainment’s Treasury Casino in Brisbane features 1,600 pokies at present. However, the terms of the deal between the operator and the state government are yet to be disclosed. People with more knowledge of the matter commented that once relocated to Queen’s Wharf, there will be scope for at least 2,500 poker machines at the gambling venue.
If the proposed agreement is voted in favor of by state lawmakers, this would supposedly result in more than A$100 million being instantly contributed to the government. Queensland is to collect A$100,000 for each poker machine permit sold. In addition to this, it would impose tax on revenue from the pokies.
Earlier this year, local media reported that Echo Entertainment was not likely to apply for additional poker machines due to concerns over the impact this might have on people with problem gambling behavior. The gaming operator was said to be favoring the idea to simply transfer the 1,600 gaming machines at the Treasury Casino to its new Queen’s Wharf complex.
However, it seems that the Queensland government is seriously considering the opportunity for more pokies as a means for Echo Entertainment to boost its mix of featured games.
A spokesman for the casino operator commented on Thursday that commercial details on the project would remain undisclosed or at least for now. Last week, Matt Bekier, Chief Executive Officer of Echo Entertainment, said that the company may eventually add more poker machines but first it needs to decide on the gaming mix it would feature at the new casino.
Apart from the gaming machines, the winning bidder for the Brisbane gambling venue would also focus its attention on drawing high rollers from the Asia-Pacific region. Analysts expect that Echo Entertainment’s A$3-billion project would receive a third of its revenue from Asian high roller players.
Mr. Bekier said he hopes that the Queen’s Wharf casino would be able to replicate the success of The Star. The Sydney-based venue’s VIP revenue accounts for about 30% of the total gaming proceeds.
