Overseas operators turning their eyes to QLD

Monday 14th of August 2017

The Queensland government says it has seen “significant interest” from overseas operators in regards to its two regional licenses in the state.

David Edwards, Projects chief executive from the Department of State Development, who was speaking at a panel during an annual gaming conference in Sydney, said there had been interest from a number of US-based companies. He also confirmed recent media reports that NagaCorp was also sounding out the market.

“That would indicate that people are bullish of the tourism story and the long term growth prospects in Australia,” said Edwards.

On Saturday, Treasurer Curtis Pitt, who was quoted in a report from Cairns Post, said there had been “renewed interest by other parties” for opportunities in Cairns ever since Aquis pulled out of its casino plans at Yorkeys Knob.

“I’ve indicated that in my view there is a very strong interest in Cairns and again a very strong opportunity for something to happen in Far North Queensland,” he said.

When asked whether the government may consider other areas in the state, Edwards said that based on discussions with operators earlier in the year, the Gold Coast and Cairns will likely remain as the go-to destinations for new integrated resort development.

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