Tony Fung’s Aquis Entertainment has lodged its official plan with the ACT Government for its AU$307 million redevelopment of Australia’s Canberra Casino.
The second stage of the application process after the government had previously approved Aquis’ concept proposal, the plan includes an expansion of the property to include two hotels, bars, restaurants and a luxury shopping mall.
The government also recently extended Canberra Casino’s license to allow 50 multi-terminal games – more than double the previous number of 22 used for rapid roulette – and has granted provisional permission for 200 slot machines. The property has traditionally been the only casino in Australia without slot machines.
Despite some local opposition, Canberra Casino’s makeover is desperately needed for the small and uninspiring property with estimates that the completed development could attract up to 617,000 new patrons from around the world – adding to the recent trend of Australian casinos to spend big money to attract global visitors.
