In Queensland, the awarding of the next casino license is a huge deal. There is a great deal of buzz over which casino operator will receive the next gaming license in Brisbane, and local regulators seem to be getting close to a decision. Now, in crunch time, concerns have been raised about one bidder’s past. Gary Bullock, Secretary of United Voice, recently presented some concerns about Echo Entertainment’s bid.

According to ABC News, the casino operator reportedly has links with Stanley Ho, a businessman from Hong Kong who was banned from making a similar casino bid in New South Wales. It is believed that Echo Entertainment’s business partners for the Brisbane casino license – Chow Tai Fook Enterprises – is somehow connected to Mr Ho.

This particular figure seems to be quite a dangerous person with which to be associated in the gambling market. In fact, Crown Resorts had to confirm that the company was not at all connected with Mr Ho before it was granted a casino license for another project. While details about Mr Ho’s involvement in the casino market are not clear, United Voice is taking precautions.

If the NSW government has banned him from dealing with casino operators, it must be for a good reason – and, the Queensland government should certainly take this warning seriously. "We looked closely at these casino bids because we want to ensure both bidders are held to the highest standard,” says Mr Bullock.

"We never imagined we would find something like this serious enough to concern three governments including NSW and the apparent willingness of the Newman Government to look the other way." Echo Entertainment has yet to comment on the issue.

However, we will keep you posted 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.