Business split on casino site

LEADING Surfers Paradise business operators want a second Gold Coast casino resort – but are divided on where it should go.

Multiple Southport sites have emerged as potential locations as the State Government prepares to call for expressions of interest.

Southport MP Rob Molhoek this week warned the Government risked killing off Surfers as the city visitor beacon if a casino hub wasn’t built in or near it.

But one of the longestserving restaurateurs in Surfers, Costa D’Oro co-owner Michael Fusco, said he had no fears about a second going elsewhere.

“We were here when they built the first casino at Broadbeach and it never took any of our business,’’ he said.

“Why would a second one in Southport take any of our business away now? A second one would be great.

“I’m never ever against big money being spent – if it’s going to be $2-3 billion from go to whoa, why wouldn't you want that?”

Mr Fusco, who opened Costa D’Oro 32 years ago, said the only thing he wanted to see was for a second casino resort to be pokies-free.

“They are the drain on the people who can least afford it.” casino

Artesian Hospitality partner Matt Keegan, whose group oversees three Surfers nightclubs and is behind new $3 million bar-restaurant White Rhino at Circle on Cavill, said he backed a second casino but agreed it should be in Surfers.

“To have another one will attract even more domestic and international visitors,’’ Mr Keegan said

LNP’s Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek said Labor was mishandling the debate and “Gold Coasters are wondering what this government is doing”.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones has pledged no extra pokies will be added to the 7500 licensed in the city.