In Australia, poker machine reform legislation has recently been passed. The new laws aim to limit the amount of potential harm that pokies can cause, requiring clubs to employ voluntary pre-commitment software and limiting the amount of money that players can withdraw when they visit gaming venues.
However, gaming operators are still trying to push the envelope, seeking expansions that allow for more poker machines in casinos across the country. Executives for the Adelaide Casino have just had their plans to make the gaming venue into a 6-star entertainment complex have been approved. The renovation will cost $300 million, as SkyCity will equip the casino with new games, high roller areas, retail shops and restaurants.
The company’s goal is to make the casino into an all-encompassing venue that will attract visitors regardless of if they are interested in gambling or not. In addition to adding new facilities to the venue, Adelaide Casino could also get some new pokies. According to reports, the number of poker machines may increase from 995 to 1500, bringing in a significantly larger profit from pokies.
These new games will be outfitted with cashless technology, so players will have to place their wagers using prepaid cards. This will not only allow for VIP players to make bigger wagers; it also helps players monitor their spending more easily. SkyCity is dedicated to opening an entertainment venue in Australia, as this seems to be the going trend in the country’s gambling market.
The Star has made plans to expand while Crown Casinos hopes to open a new large-scale casino in Bangaroo. All of the major casino operators in the country seem to want to tap the VIP gaming market while appealing to non-gaming visitors, and SkyCity is just jumping on the bandwagon. However, SkyCity has made the most progress thus far.
The Star continues to shop its idea around to local politicians while Crown Casino contends with Echo Entertainment for the right to build a new casino on Sydney’s waterfront.