More casino licences on offer in QldBy Melinda HowellsUpdated 2...

More casino licences on offer in Qld

By Melinda Howells

Updated 2 hours 55 minutes ago


Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says revenue is not a factor in a decision to offer new casino licences.

Queensland could potentially be home to seven casinos, with the State Government announcing it is prepared to offer up to three extra licences.

One will be part of a redevelopment of State Government buildings in the Brisbane CBD.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says that does not necessarily mean there will be two casinos in the capital, given that Brisbane casino operator Echo Entertainment is looking to move from the former Treasury building to a new site in the CBD.

"Technically it's possible [to have two Brisbane casinos], the commercial reality is it's not likely," he said.

Other licences could be offered as part of major resort developments.

Premier Campbell Newman says two other licences could be offered for projects outside Brisbane, in a bid to boost the tourism industry.

"I can tell you now there are lots more people wanting to build casinos then there are going to be licences," he said.

"There's a heck of a lot more that we need to do.

"As I've often said, the tourism product, the infrastructure that we have in this state is from a different era, in some cases it's faded and jaded.

"It's time now to actually take off the shackles, think big and actually allow this state really to compete in the international marketplace."

Decision 'not about revenue'

Mr Newman says potential revenue from gambling taxes has not been a factor in the decision.

"I don't think we've seen any projections on revenue - that has not been part of it," he said.

"I'm pretty confident there's not been a paper that talks about the revenue that would come from this.

"It's about jobs, it's about the investment dollars and it's about tourism potential for Queensland.

It's about people coming here because we have something that will be a drawcard."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-14/more-casino-licences-on-offer-in-qld/5021450