High rollers have long been the most desired casino customers as proceeds from them usually account for the larger portion of the revenues generated by the gambling venues. Now, as Brisbane is having its Queen’s Wharf precinct redeveloped and Echo Entertainment has just been awarded the sole casino license for the area, city officials hope that high rollers will find the new gaming facility particularly attractive.
Apart from boosting casino revenue, wealthy players are also believed to be drawing foreign investors with interests in investing in property, technology, tourism, etc.
Gambling operator Echo Entertainment, which is working together with Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises as well as the Far East Consortium on the construction and the launch of the A$3-billion integrated casino resort, has recently revealed that it would most definitely aim at attracting high rollers. According to the company, proceeds from those may account for more than 30% of the casino’s overall revenue, once it opens doors.
Here it is important to note that the large gaming floor would feature luxury VIP gambling rooms on the property’s top level. Echo Entertainment currently operates Treasure Casino in Brisbane. However, the venue has not lured high rollers.
Peter Arkell, Chairman of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, noted that the Queen’s Wharf casino project has the potential to draw Chinese high rollers. Mr. Arkell said that gambling is an activity that Chinese enjoy.
Last year, a total of 330,000 Mainland China visitors came to Queensland. According to the information released, those spent the amount of A$600 million. In addition, the number of Chinese visitors is expected to double within the next 8 years due to the luxury projects that have been introduced recently.
As mentioned above, apart from being attracted by the gambling options that are to be featured at Echo Entertainment’s new casino, high rollers are also expected to invest in various sectors in Queensland.
Mr. Arkell pointed out that property would be one of the sectors that would benefit most from the wealthy players that are to visit the Queen’s Wharf gaming facility. At present, Queensland property is mostly purchased by Chinese businessmen. Those contributed A$463 million to the state for the period 2013-14.
However, Mr. Arkell warned that attracting wealthy players might turn out to be a difficult task, as the high-roller market is a highly competitive one. The Brisbane casino’s biggest competitor will imminently be Macau. The world’s most profitable gambling hub is particularly luring to high rollers.
In order to attract Chinese visitors and potential investors, Echo Entertainment will also make sure to feature a number of dining, retail, and entertainment options.
