Casino mogul James Packer has made some big plans or the expansion of Sydney’s gambling market. In addition to bringing in generous gaming revenue and licensing payments, the new high roller venue in Barangaroo will become one of the tallest buildings in the city. Originally, the venue was supposed to be 250 metres tall. Now, a new report from the casino operator has revealed that it will actually be 20 metres taller than that.
The reason for the additional height has not yet been revealed, but it is likely that the original plans underestimated the amount of space required for the gaming facilities and accommodation. Currently, the tallest structure in the city is the Sydney Tower, which is 370 metres tall. The new Crown Limited casino will become the second-tallest building in the city.
The new height will certainly make the gambling venue seem more iconic on Sydney’s waterfront. Some residents expressed concern that the casino would take away from the picturesque look of the skyline. However, the venue’s architects argue that it will add a more modern perspective.
With more skyscrapers along the waterfront, the skyline will appear more contemporary, appealing to the high-rolling tourists that the new casino aims to attract. By opening up the new VIP gambling venue in 2019, Crown Limited will bring in an additional $1 billion per year for the NSW government.
It will certainly boost the local economy by attracting attention from VIP gamblers and tourists – but responsible gambling advocates are concerned about its potential dangers. With lower-than-average betting limits on its VIP tables, there are mounting concerns that problem gamblers will find themselves wagering more money than they can spare on high roller table games.
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