Two Australian giants for a single casino in Brisbane

The two main casino operators in Australia, Echo Entertainment and Crown Resorts both want to obtain permission to build a hotel-casino in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. Spokespersons from both companies recently presented their projects to the Australian Securities Exchange.

On the site of the Queen's Wharf

The two famous Australian operators are both candidates to develop a world-class casino complex on the site of the Queen's wharf in Brisbane. This is one of the three licenses that the Queensland Government wants to issue. The area covers the northern bank of the Brisbane River, and the future development must be built in a redeveloped area between skyscrapers, a luxury hotel and public spaces.

A joint venture with Greenland for Crown Resorts

With the Chinese group Greenland in partnership Crown Resorts wants to develop a six-star hotel with a casino-hotel on the site. As part of this joint venture, the Australian operator must take care of the complete management necessary to run the business day to day. For their part, Greenland will be the exclusive developer and owner of the commercial facilities.

A partnership with Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook for Enterprises Echo Entertainment

The company Echo Entertainment that is based in Brisbane has approached Hong Kong's groups Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. With the name Destination Brisbane Consortium, the three companies are now seeking to develop a complex that features a casino, a six star hotel and various other leisure facilities.

A strategic project

In memory of the harsh casino war between Crown Resorts and Echo Entertainment for obtaining the license for a casino in Sydney, the Brisbane-based group will take up efforts to maintain their monopoly in the city. The company Echo Entertainment, who already operate a facility in the old Treasury Building, would be seriously weakened if their main competitor was able to set foot in the state capital of Queensland.

A decision will be announced early next year

According to a statement of the State Government of Queensland, neither Crown Resorts nor Echo Entertainment has released detailed plans for their respective projects. However, we have learned that each project requires a minimum investment of $1 billion. Additionally, the authorities have said they will announce the name of the chosen operator early next year, shortly before the election.