NO MORE POKIES
Jones rules out slots at any second GC casino development
THERE will be no poker machines in any second casino built on the Gold Coast after Tourism Minister Kate Jones categorically ruled it out in State Parliament yesterday.
The bombshell decision makes it more likely that The Star will remain the city’s only major gaming resort.
THE chances of a second casino being built on the Gold Coast have slumped after Tourism Minister Kate Jones ruled out allowing it to have pokies.
Ms Jones made the stunning revelation in State Parliament yesterday, but last night went to ground, declining to elaborate.
Labor’s no-pokies position for another casino in the city follows the LNP’s lead in June. It ruled out supporting more machines at a future “super resort” development on the Coast.
The Government’s decision cruels moves to have a second casino on the Coast – gaming experts last night told the Gold Coast Bulletin it would not be viable without poker machines.
Depending on a range of factors, including location, slot machines generate 30-40 per cent of revenue for the average casino.
In an Estimates hearing in State Parliament yesterday, Broadwater MP David Crisafulli asked Ms Jones if she could rule out granting poker machine licences for the proposed second casino.
“Minister, can you rule out granting any additional electronic gaming machines for the Gold Coast tourism hub located in my city?,” Mr Cisafulli asked. Ms Jones replied: “Yes.” Mr Crisafulli later told the Bulletin: “Since the election we’ve had her dodging, weaving, shadow boxing and refusing to rule it out.
“Under the glare of Estimates, there is no escape. You have to tell the truth. This city will never be overrun with poker machines.”
In May, the Bulletin reported Gold Coasters were pumping at least $1 million a day into the city’s 5667 gaming machines.
The real spend is significantly more because the Government does not require data from The Star, which has 1660 poker machines. No more machines are planned as part of its $3 billion masterplan on the Gold Coast.
The Star last night welcomed the State Government’s position: “We are committed to delivering new developments without any additional poker machines,” a spokesman said.
“We are delighted the Government shares that sentiment in regards to any future (integrated resort) on the Gold Coast.
“The Star has a potential pipeline of around $2 billion in further tourism infrastructure as part of our Gold Coast master plan.”
Construction of The Star’s new $400 million, 54storey tower is expected to begin soon. Its masterplan allows for seven towers in all.
Construction is also under way to build the $3 billion Queens Wharf integrated resort and casino in central Brisbane which The Star will also operate.
A Bulletin poll in May found 72 per cent of readers did not want a second casino on the Gold Coast.
Mr Crisafulli believed Labor’s position would be widely welcomed on the Coast. “It’s a line in the sand moment,” he said. “Our city will not be slot machine central for the state.”