ADELAIDE CASINO $330M UPGRADE. SKYCITY WINS SUBSTANTIAL CONCESSIONS FROM GOVT.
SkyCity Adelaide should see more high rollers in its VIP rooms after the government gave the greenlight to relax entry requirements and grant other concessions.
The concessions, which form part of the operator’s A$330 million redevelopment of the casino will see new entry rules for the high-roller rooms.
Minimum annual spend has been slashed from $12,000 to $8,000, and premium gaming members will be allowed unlimited maximum bets and have access to cashless gaming.
Under further concessions, which are effective immediately, the maximum number of guests premium gaming members will be able to invite into VIP rooms has increased from one to four.
SkyCity announced on Wednesday that it will also be given discretion to invite up to 1000 prospective customers to qualify for premium gaming.
A government spokeswoman said the concessions were designed to help the Adelaide Casino compete in the international and interstate premium gaming market.
“A majority of these initiatives have been designed to attract more interstate and overseas tourists to South Australia and for the Adelaide Casino to better compete with casinos interstate and overseas,” she said according to The Advertiser.
The new casino will include three new restaurants, three new bars (one a rooftop bar), cafes, increased function spaces and a larger hotel with the number of rooms increasing from 89 to 123.
The casino’s annual $300,000 contribution to the Gambler’s Rehabilitation Fund remains unchanged.
“We’ve taken a fresh look at both our existing building and the design for the expansion,” Adelaide Casino general manager Luke Walker said.
“We’ve redesigned interiors, revitalised social, entertainment and gaming spaces, and relocated restaurants and bars.”
Mr Walker said the go-ahead came after lengthy negotiations with the South Australian Government.
“It’s now locked and loaded, this is a monumental occasion for us,” he said.
The casino said there would be no additional gambling licences under the expansion, and the same regulations and oversight would continue.
Construction is expected to begin early next year, with completion expected for 2020.
Sources: The Advertiser, agbrief.com, adelaidenow.com, abc.net, smh.com.au
