Casino Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory is still looking at a plan to expand its property. In 2015 Canberra first floated its proposal for a $300 million redevelopment that would have “transformed the Glebe Park precinct,” according to the Canberra Times. The development included luxury hotels, upscale retail outlets, new bars and cafés and a new convention center.
After lengthy negotiations, the government announced last year rejected the casino’s bid due to restrictions on the number of pokies that are allowed and the government’s decision not to make certain land available.
Now Canberra is talking again, and has reached out to Kareena Arthy, deputy director general of the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development directorate. The talks are “very recent,” Arthy said.
The government says the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission is working with the casino to ensure the proposal is eligible under the 2006 Casino Control Act. Meanwhile, Casino Canberra CEO Allison Gallaugher says the group is committed to pursuing the redevelopment.
“We are eager to be able to deliver Canberra the kind of world-class entertainment precinct an emerging international city deserves,” she said.
“We continue to await advice from the government on the clarification of a range of issues that will allow us to progress our planning. We look forward to working productively with the ACT government and local industry to progress our vision.”
Shareholders approved a sale of the casino to Blue Whale Entertainment in March; that sale is awaiting regulatory approval. Hong Kong-based Aquis Entertainment, current owner of the casino, wanted permission to operate 500 poker machines in exchange for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment. But in 2017, ACT lawmakers agreed only to allow the casino 200 poker machines, as well as 60 fully-automated table games. The laws also limit punters to $2 spins and require them to choose how much they’re prepared to lose in advance.
The laws do not allow the casino to immediately begin operating poker machines. Instead, it would have to buy poker machine authorizations from clubs and hostels after a number of requirements have been met. Those requirements include completing an approved casino redevelopment and the casino undertaking a social impact assessment of the number of poker machines it applies for.
Opposition gaming spokesman Mark Parton said the government’s handling of the negotiations could make other investors shy away.
“This has been a long and drawn-out process punctuated with lengthy periods where the stakeholder has no idea what is going on,” he said. “This government couldn’t even organize a chook raffle. It wouldn’t be surprising if potential investors observing this debacle ran a mile.”
