For the past few months, Casino Canberra has been campaigning for new pokies. The operator wants to be able to install hundreds of games on the casino floor, after having never been allowed pokies in the past. To support its campaign, Casino Canberra has cited research that claims pokies will attract tourism – but, many sources have contested these reports.

The statistics come from Aquis Entertainment, which purchased the casino last year, and is in the process of planning a $330 million redevelopment. As part of these plans, the developer wants to install 500 pokies, and states that the new electronic gaming machines will bring nearly 750 000 visitors to the city, including high roller players from Asia.

According to a report in the Canberra Times, gambling researchers have spoken out against these claims. Francis Markham, a research at the Australian National University, states that more locals will play the new games. They will not be the main draw for international visitors.

"The idea that you'd have international VIPs coming to Canberra to gamble on poker machines is ludicrous really,” he says. “So, if that's what's underwriting the viability of the venue it would be fair to say that it's going to be local Canberrans that are going to be paying for the refurbishments of Binara Street”.

The researchers acknowledged that the redevelopment of the casino has the potential to bring in more tourists, especially wealthy players from China; however, they state that these visitors won’t be visiting the casino to play pokies. They are likely to be drawn towards table games, which are often the main preference among high roller players.

Jeff House, Chief Executive of ClubsACT, is also dubious about pokies being a draw for tourists. His organisation has been against the campaign for new pokies at Casino Canberra, as it would take business away from clubs across the state.

"It is very unlikely that people will fly thousands of kilometres to play gaming machines at the Canberra casino,” Mr House says. “The proposition is even more unlikely when considered in the context of numerous casinos already operating in Australia and Asia, and Canberra having no international flights.

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.