Officials from Malaysian company Genting have unveiled plans for a US$3 billion resort on Biscayne Bay in Florida. Four hotel towers with a total 5,200 rooms, a convention centre and 50 restaurants are just part of the ambitious project, which is said to be completed with or without a future casino. However, the plans allocate space for a casino if Florida gambling laws are amended.
Genting is aiming to build the finest resort in the US and believes Miami is the right place for it. In May the company paid US$236 million for the 13.9 acre Miami Herald plot on Biscayne Bay. Already there are moves to purchase adjoining land to add to the Miami Herald site. According to Genting officials, if Florida changes its laws within a couple of years the planned resort will be built with a casino. If not, the company is content to wait 10 - 15 years for the time to be right.
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Artist impression: Courtesy Genting Group
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The Genting casino, if it is included, will be on the 3rd and 4th floors of an 8-storey building linking the four hotel towers. This is despite the fact that the huge casino resort market of Las Vegas places gambling machines and tables to entice players the moment they set foot in the properties. Genting says gambling is just one of many amenities to be offered and the waterfront plays a large part in the company's futuristic design. If casino resorts are licensed in Florida, a collective shudder will doubtless run through operators in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, already hard hit by competition at home and abroad. (E-09.16.11)
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