As part of its proposal for a new high-class casino complex in Brisbane, Crown Resorts is likely to apply for permission to install new pokies at the venue. While the new games would benefit the casino and bring in more gambling venue, clubs and pubs across the state are not pleased with the idea of introducing more pokies into the state via the new casino resort.

A report from the Sydney Morning Herald notes that club and pub owners across the state are expecting Crown Resorts to apply for anywhere between 1500 and 2500 poker machines for the new venue. Crown has not yet confirmed or denied this, as the tender process has limited the casino operator to revealing only a few details about the new property.

Club and pub owners across the state are growing increasingly concerned about the possibility of new pokies being brought into the state through Crown Resorts’ new casino. It would create even more competition in this sector, as there are currently over 1600 pokies at Treasury.

"Everyone fighting for market share would see competition that south-east Queensland has never seen before,” says Doug Flockhart, Chief Executive of Clubs Queensland. Echo Entertainment aims to get around this issue by promising not to bring new pokies into the state. The casino operator has announced that it would simply transfer pokies from the Treasury Casino in order to prevent new pokie licenses from being granted in the state.

“A bid which did not involve additional gaming machines would be less problematic to the hotel and club sector than a bid which required the creation of additional gaming machine licences," says Matthew Jones, Director of Consultancy at Liquor & Gaming Specialists. The issue of new pokies could certainly have a large impact on which operator will receive the last Brisbane casino license.

We will keep you updated as the story develops.

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.