A ban on cruise ship casinos has been lifted by the Western Australia government in a bid for the state to become a more attractive destination for cruise companies and thus generate additional revenue.
Officials have pointed out that cruise ships have become a popular tourist option among people from the Asia-Pacific region and gambling on board of such ships has been a highly preferred service. However, the long-standing ban on the provision of casino options on cruise ships prevented Western Australia from capitalizing on the growing trend.
The ban being suspended, came as part of the government’s strategy to further develop Western Australia’s tourism industry, particularly its cruise ship sector.
Commenting on the lifted restrictions, the state’s Minister of Tourism, Racing, and Gaming Paul Papalia said that cruise shipping has been an instrumental part of Western Australia’s tourism industry, annually boosting the local economy with millions of dollars.
Under the newly introduced changes, cruise ships will no longer have to shut casino operations upon approaching Western Australian waters. They will only have to close their casino facilities when within 12 nautical miles from the port they will anchor.
Under previous rules, casino operations were shut when cruise ships sailed within 12 nautical miles from any point of the state’s coastline. Government officials believe that the ban’s suspension will result in cruise ship tourism becoming more attractive to both tourists and ship owners.
Here it is important to note that gambling on cruise ships will remain a supplementary service, which means that no cruises for the sole purpose of gambling will be allowed to be organized.
The government of Western Australia has announced that the ports in the cities of Fremantle and Geraldton will be upgraded to respond to the new demand for cruise ship tourism. Other infrastructure issues are also expected to be addressed in relation to the new changes implemented to the state’s gambling and tourism industry.
It can be said that casino gambling is the leading gaming sector in Western Australia, unlike other Australian states that are better known for the popularity of slot machines, or pokies as they are referred to Down Under.
Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is host to the Crown Perth casino resort, one of two currently operated by Australian casino operator Crown Resorts. It has become clear that the state’s government has discussed the lifting of the ban with casino officials before making any further progress on the matter. Crown Perth has given its support for the measure, after being assured that cruises “to nowhere” will remain prohibited.
