ASF role in Caesars play

Las Vegas icon ‘one of many’ possible suitors

THE proposed ASF integrated resort on The Spit has been revealed as the possible site of a Caesars Palace casino.

Last week the Bulletin reported the legendary Las Vegas company was eyeing up the Gold Coast for a project, with its international development president Steven Tight visiting last month.

ASF Consortium director Louis Chien has confirmed Caesars Entertainment, with 50 sites in six countries but none in Australia, was among the casino operators it was in talks with.

“They are one of many,” Mr Chien said.

“ASF Consortium has been in ongoing discussions with a number of world-class operators.

“The heightened interest further validates the Queensland Government’s Integrated Resort Development process and our own research that there is a market for another casino, especially an integrated resort which has grown the tourism pie in other similar locations. ”

Mr Tight has said Caesars was doing a feasibility study on a possible foray to the Gold Coast.

Chinese-backed ASF is State Government’s preferred proponent for developing an integrated resort on The Spit, and has proposed a five-tower resort and casino south of Sea World.

State Government consultation finished in April and ASF is waiting to hear results before submitting detailed designs of its $3 billion plan.

“We are confident the consultation will reflect the community’s sentiment and show broad support,” Mr Chien said.

If ASF and Caesars do not link up there still may be an opportunity for the US icon on the Coast.

State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said the government was sounding out the market for “another” ca- sino integrated resort in Queensland — and that included the Gold Coast.

“If the market sounding findings demonstrate notable interest, we will go to the market before the end of the year.”

Asked about Caesars, a spokesman for Star Gold Coast’s Broadbeach casino said: “We remain focused on a transformation program of $1 billion that will position The Star Gold Coast as a worldclass integrated resort.”