Auckland’s Sky Tower is to be bathed in blue light for the month of September, as part of New Zealand’s Prostate Cancer Foundation’s annual awareness campaign supported by SKYCITY Entertainment. Across the sea in South Australia, the company has announced that, subject to negotiations, it will support the South Australian Government’s vision for the transformation of the Adelaide Riverfront into a world-class Entertainment Precinct by investing up to A$250 million in expanding and enhancing its casino and hospitality facilities.

This investment would support the developments being announced by the State Government, including the Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Oval redevelopment, with the redeveloped facility becoming an important anchor for a redeveloped Riverbank Precinct, bringing renewed life and vibrancy to the city and enhancing its position as a major tourism attraction in South Australia. Whilst remaining subject to a range of necessary approvals, Adelaide Casino’s plans would see the expansion of the current facility towards the river front, featuring new and expanded gaming facilities including private gaming areas; dedicated car parking; and the creation of exciting new sports bars, bars and restaurants.

The potential developments will enable the casino, already one of Adelaide’s largest private employers, to compete on an equal footing with similar properties in other major cities, which attract millions of visitors each year. The investment proposal will deliver increased opportunities to derive export income for the State from both regional Australian and international visitors. It would also reduce the outflow of leisure and entertainment expenditure to other States.

Nigel Morrison, Managing Director of SKYCITY, said the potential expansion of Adelaide Casino would deliver a facility more in keeping with Adelaide’s scale and stature as a leading Australian city. “We believe the Adelaide Casino has great potential and SKYCITY is keen to work with the South Australian Government to deliver increased tourism, jobs and economic growth for the State. Our objective is to deliver a casino in Adelaide which can compete on equal terms with other casinos in Australia and be a key part of the Adelaide Riverbank Precinct.”

SKYCITY is trying to attract Australians as well as Asians to gamble in New Zealand but says it would like to see a level playing field. New Zealand regulations such as the size of bets and other issues put the country’s casinos at a disadvantage. Adelaide Casino slot machines in South Australia also operate at a disadvantage to the casinos in New South Wales and Victoria. Morrison commented, "Because of the gambling rules their offer to customers is significantly enhanced.” (E-09.02.10)

© Copyright 2010 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage