Jooi, for you - Casino sector heading for shake-up with Packer's Crown Sydney
"Where should Chicago build its first casino?"
One industry in Australia has a peculiar advantage of being closer to China's burgeoning billionaire class.
By Nick Toscano January 2, 2019 — 12.00am
Whether the opening of James Packer’s new casino in Sydney can tip the scales in the battle with rival The Star to lure cashed-up Asian visitors is emerging as the next big question for the gaming industry in 2019, analysts say.
The Australian casino sector faced a turbulent 2018, with concerns about a pull-back in consumer spending, China’s softening economic growth and the volatility of high-roller revenue contributing to steep share price plunges, shedding billions of dollars in value.
IMAGE With a second casino in Sydney, Melbourne's Crown will become less attractive for gamblers, say analysts. Credit:Erin Jonasson
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ruled out any chance of allowing poker machines at Crown’s planned VIP casino at Sydney's Barangaroo.
But Mr Carducci said he believed that would not stop Crown from lobbying. Politically, he said, things “could change”.