Packer's Sydney casino bid wins Government consideration

Sydney may soon host a second casino after the NSW Government agreed to consider a proposal by James Packer to build a new gambling hotel at the city's Bangaroo Point.

Packer is proposing to build a six-star hotel tower and casino for 'high rollers' on the Barangaroo site adjacent to the city central business district.

Construction would see Sydney become the only Australian state capital with two casinos the other being has Star City.

A spokesman for NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says the Government has not made a decision yet on the second casino.

However, any legislation looks set to get a very smooth ride through the NSW Parliament after Labor's shadow cabinet voted in favour.

While Packert insists the casino will contain no extra poker machines, anti-gambling advocates say those promises have been made and broken before.

However, the NSW Greens are concerned at changes in legislation allowing for a second casino licence asking why a possible second licence would not go out to tender.

Greens MP John Kaye says it has more to do with Packer's power, stating "there's a long distance between an unsolicited proposal and a done deal and what Sydney's being presented is Mr Packer's wealth, Mr Packer's political power driving an outcome rather than having a proper tender process."

Salvation Army clinical director for recovery services Gerard Burn, says Sydney does not need another casino, stating "the state of NSW doesn't need another one," he said.

"We currently sit within an area that has some of the largest gaming provisions, not just in Australia, but in the world.

"This casino will attract, and this has been proven in other casinos, will attract the average Australian."

By contrast, Tourism & Transport Forum Chief Executive John Lee has welcomed the development, stating "expanding Sydney's accommodation stocks is critical to growing the visitor economy.

"A six-star hotel at Barangaroo will be a destination in itself, attracting high-spending visitors from around the world and helping us move towards the target of doubling overnight tourism expenditure to $140 billion by the end of the decade.

"Allowing table-only gaming on a restricted basis will defray the enormous expense of building, operating and maintaining a property of this standard.

"An international hotel will provide employment for thousands of people and generate millions of dollars in additional expenditure in Sydney retail, restaurants, and attractions."

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