The bidding process for casino licences in Queensland is heating up. There are now twelve casino operators in the running for just three licenses that will be granted to companies chosen by the state government to develop resort casinos. All twelve operators have paid a $100 000 application fee, which is non-refundable.
Half of the companies have submitted proposals for the redevelopment of Queen’s Wharf while the other half have proposed regional casino resorts. The areas in question are Great Keppel Island, Airlie Beach, the Gold Coat and Yorkey’s Knob. While all of regional casino resorts sound like great ideas, the Great Keppel Island is getting a great deal of media attention.
The proposed resort would cost $2 billion to construction, and it would include a golf course and five-star hotel. One area that is not in the running is the Sunshine Coast. A shortlist of the selected bidders was released earlier this week, and the Sunshine Coast was not included.
The majority of residents are pleased with the results, as 43% stated the area does not need a casino. 33% stated that it would have been great for tourism and 10% said it would have been great for locals. 12% are pleased with the existing options for gambling venues in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
From here, the state government will review the 12 proposed resort plans. By mid-2014, a final shortlist will be released and the companies will be invited to submit full proposals. "This is the next crucial stage in the Queensland Government's plan to create world-class resorts that will revitalise the tourism and construction sectors of the economy,” says Jeff Seeney, State Development Minister.
This is an exciting time for Queensland’s gambling market. We are eager to see which casino operators will be selected to build new casinos in the state.
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