Tony Fung’s multibillion-dollar casino resort will soon begin construction, and the property is expected to generate huge profits for the local gaming and tourism markets in Cairns. Aquis Casino is aimed at attracting wealthy tourists from Asia, so the success of the casino will rely on the Chinese casino junket market. Casino junkets are organisations that arrange trips to casinos around the world.

It is usually high roller gamblers that belong to these junkets, so Australian casinos are very invested in this type of business. Junkets coordinate every detail of the casino trip, including flights and visas. According to a report in the Brisbane Times, these junkets are crucial in securing the success of Aquis Casino in Cairns.

Gaming Consultant Ben Lee states that it is important for Tony Fung and his property to established a good relationship with junkets in order to attract the desired demographic. "The junkets do all the marketing,” he says. “The junkets are able to market to players one-on-one. That's a far stronger tool than doing brand or exposure marketing”.

While junkets are the bread-and-butter of most high-roller gambling operations in Australia, Aquis Head Justin Fung states that the property has plans to shift away from them. He recognises that they have a suspicious reputation, and he wants to ensure that his casino will not be attached to claims of organises crime. While the junket industry has started cleaning up its act lately, Fung is still concerned about being connected.

“The history is there and it's something that can't be ignored, but at the same time there's been a tremendous evolution and professionalism added to the industry,” he says. "We definitely don't want to be involved in any illegal-type operation or businesses and individuals involved in illegal activities." With or without junkets, we believe that Aquis will be a successful venture.

It will be bring something new and exciting the local casino market and definitely help to boost tourism in Cairns.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.