Crown Casinos has recently announced its plans to build a second casino in Bangaroo. Planned for completion in 2019, it will be open to the public once The Star’s exclusivity agreement has expired. The new venue will have distinct focus on high roller players, so the casino operators will be in direct competition over the same demographics.

Echo Entertainment has expressed that it is not worried about the new venue interfering with its business; however, local residents are not entirely convinced that the new casino will benefit the community. The tourism industry has expressed optimism at the idea of building a new casino in Bangaroo. From the perspective of hotel operators, retailers and restaurants, a new casino will draw in more tourism and boost business.

Since the new casino will also be catering to a specific demographic of high roller players, these businesses look forward to working with customers that are more willing to spend money than the average resident. Local residents are not so enthusiastic. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, there are some citizens who are opposed to the idea of bringing a new casino to Bangaroo.

One major concern is that the business drawn in by the new casino will not justify the costs. Even when The Star spent $1 billion on its renovation, high roller gambling only brought in $300 million the subsequent year – and citizens have even less faith in Packer. “James Packer tells us why we should embrace his product. Now, it is a luxury hotel that can only make a profit if it is a casino,” says Judy Sherrington.

“Once it was a phone company, One.Tel, which lost millions. Are we meant to have short memories?” It should be noted, however, that the new casino will not contain any poker machines. Since primary problem gambling concerns in Australia surround pokies and other forms of electronic gaming, problem gambling rates are not expected to rise – but residents are still wary.

The increased potential for various types of crime still has many citizens concerned.

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.